Zac Lipowicz crossed the try line just six minutes into the match, igniting a vibrant performance that saw Catalans Dragons surge to a 34-24 victory over Bradford Bulls at home. The win marks their third triumph in four Betfred Super League outings, a promising upturn under the guidance of coach John Cartwright, who now stands at the helm of a side rekindling its competitive spark. Once languishing in the lower half of the table, the French club has clawed its way back into contention, moving to 16 points from 15 games—level with seventh-placed Leigh and showing signs of life in a tightly contested league.
The Dragons roared into an early lead, with Lipowicz’s opening try quickly followed by a powerful crash over from Josh Allen after a Bradford error. Though the Bulls responded through Ryan Sutton and Ethan Ryan—his 10th try of the season—the hosts maintained control. Julian Bousquet and Solomona Faataape added further scores before halftime, sending Catalans into the break with a commanding 22-10 advantage. The game, however, refused to slip away quietly. Connor Wynne pounced on a loose ball in the second half’s opening moments, reigniting Bradford’s hopes and narrowing the gap to eight points.
But momentum is a fragile thing. On the restart, the Bulls fumbled, and Kruise Leeming seized the moment, darting through to extend Catalans’ lead. Bradford fought hard—Guy Armitage and Ryan had tries disallowed—but their efforts were undone by lapses in defense. Charlie Staines capitalized with a decisive try, putting the result beyond doubt. Even as Wynne claimed his second and Caleb Aetkins added a late consolation, the Dragons held firm, showcasing the resilience that has defined their recent resurgence.
This victory isn’t just about points; it’s about belief. Cartwright, appointed only last month until the end of the season, has already sparked change, with reports suggesting his contract could be extended to 2027. His side now faces a stern test against second-placed Warrington, while Bradford, winless in eight of their last 10, must regroup before hosting St Helens. Yet in Perpignan, a quiet confidence is growing—one built on grit, precision, and the kind of homegrown energy that makes rugby league a heartbeat of community life.