The Londoners' return to Super League was a baptism of fire. Last season's runners-up were defeated after a heavy defeat to 10-time Super League champions St Helens in the season opener. And Robbie Storey's only try in two games showed the results. their efforts.
A review by the video referee twice overturned the Catalans' tries, but it only limited the damage in the first half as the big-spending Dragons clinically reminded their newcomers of their step up to the top table.
Plow Lane will host Super League rugby for the first time since the Broncos moved in 2022, but organizers have made a terrible start to the crucial competition.
From the Catalans' first possession, Lee Kershaw converted a high kick to give the visitors a second set of six, with Fages finishing off a fine show with a cross. Moments later, Sims spun out of a tackle and fell, rewarding the Dragon's relentless momentum.
Second-rower Sadiku Adebiyi energized the Broncos by making a strong tackle on Bayley Sironen and forcing a knock-on, but they were unable to add the finishing touch from a promising position.
In contrast, the Dragons were relentless, returning captain Ben Garcia's brutal drive within meters of the line, laying the foundation for Fages to go into the gap for his second goal.
The Broncos improved as the first half progressed, but Alrix da Costa and Jacob Jones held Chris Saté on the line to prevent the Dragons from disappearing over the horizon before half-time. A great job was needed.
Another bruising carry from Garcia gained field position and after halftime the Catalans' ball started rolling, Jordan Abdul's pass made the rest, opening a gap for Sims to slide through.
Dean Parata did a great job of containing Garcia, but his efforts began to show when substitute halfback Nikorima slotted between the posts and laid the foundations for a 28-0 run heading into the final 20 minutes.
A young Broncos team showed plenty of heart and flashes of promise as they cheered on the biggest home crowd since 2013 when they played at The Stoop.
But the Dragons didn't need to find top gear to win in the canter as they started aiming for their third grand final in four seasons.
Steve McNamara's side capped off an effective performance with their sixth try (five of which were improved by Arthur Mourg) when a simple feint allowed Busquet an easy goal under the posts. Ta).
Catalunya Dragons manager Steve McNamara:
“I thought the beginning of the game was the best part of the game tonight.
“I think we came out with real intent and physicality, with and without the ball. I thought we played really disciplined early on, but I think we lost it towards the end of the first half. I will.”
“We knew from the time we came to London that it was a big game for them, so I’m really happy because if we didn’t start the game right it could have been a tough night.
“It was sticky there, especially with some of the kicks in the first half. We managed to keep the try line intact so that was a big effort on our part.”
London: Leyland, Kershaw, Storey, Miloudi, Makani, Campagnolo, Meadows, Butler, Davis, Kennedy, Lovell (captain), Adebiyi, Parata.
Interchange: Jones, Stock, Williams, Bassett.
Catalans: Mourg, Johnston, Romano, Iqbal, Yaha, Abdul, Farges, Navarrette, da Costa, Bousquet, Sims, Sironen, Garcia.
Interchange: McMeeken, Nikorima, Sate, Desaria.
Referee: Tom Grant.
