Veteran Menzies steers Catalans to win

Steve Menzies rolled back the years to help book Catalan Dragons' place in next week's Super League preliminary semi-finals as they dismantled Hull Kingston Rovers 56-6 in Perpignan on Saturday.

At 37, the former Australia international is the Super League's oldest player and still one of the best as he set up the Dragons' first try before crossing twice inside the first half. Irish international Damien Blanch weighed in with a hat-trick.

The game started with a bang as Hull KR streaked downfield to leave the home team stretched but Menzies pounced on an interception and ran the length of the field before unselfishly feeding Blanch who touched down.

Menzies turned finisher as he collected Thomas Bosch's clever ball to barrel his way over.

Ex-Newcastle Knights halfback Scott Dureau converted for a 10-0 lead and Blanch then got his second as he dived over in the corner with former St George Illawarra Dragon Clint Greenshields the provider.

The visitors suffered a further blow when Jordan Cox was taken off with a suspected concussion and, following the lengthy delay, Menzies touched down his 14th try of the season following Dureau's brilliant inside ball.

Dureau converted and added a penalty to give the home team a 22-0 halftime lead and, inside the second half's first set of six, former Bulldog Daryl Millard touched down their fifth try.

Further tries from Eloi Pelissier and Sebastien Raguin, sandwiched by a consolation score from Craig Hall, took the score to 40-6.

But there was still time for Cyril Stacul, Greenshields and Blanch to cross with Dureau finishing with eight goals.

The Dragons will be back in action next week while Justin Morgan ends his six-year stint in charge of Hull KR.

It was also the last game of rugby league for retiring former Australia international Mick Vella.


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