Manly legend Steve Menzies believes his Super League side Catalans Dragons can win the competition after the former whipping boys demolished Warrington 44-16 in Perpignan on Easter Monday.
Menzies and former Sydney Roosters utility Setaimata Sa both scored two tries for the competition’s one-time whipping boys in the eight-try romp.
The 38-year-old Menzies, who made nearly 300 appearances in two spells at Manly, scored tries in both halves.
Sa scored twice after the break to help lift the Dragons to a third straight win and into third place on the ladder, a point clear of Wolves.
Another former Rooster Lopini Paea also got on the score sheet as halfback Scott Dureau pulled the strings in the comprehensive victory.
It moved the French club, the only remaining Super League side with a 100 per cent home record this season, to third on the table with a game in hand, and Menzies believes they could go all the way.
“It’s a long way out (to the grand final) but there is a strong bond at this team and all the boys are pulling together well,” said Menzies.
“We’ve just got to keep building and get better and better each week.
“There’s a long way to go but it’s a great side to play for and it’s a team playing some great footy.
“It’s great, it’s tough during this Easter period and there are a few sore bodies and so to come out after four days break and put in a performance like that, you can’t ask for much more.”
Meanwhile former St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown’s Huddersfield side defeated Hull 22-4 in a battle of the Super League’s top-two on Monday.
Huddersfield, who ran in tries from Eorl Crabtree, Luke Robinson and Joe Wardle, remained top of table after ending the visitors’ six-game winning run.
Hull, coached by ex-Wests Tigers assistant Peter Gentle, slipped down to fourth after failing to break the Giants’ line, with just two penalties from Danny Tickle to show for their efforts.
Hull Kingston Rovers defeated Salford 18-10 victory with the win sorely needed after losses to Castleford and local rivals Hull in recent weeks.
Scott Taylor ran in two tries for Rovers and Lincoln Withers grabbed one himself while Michael Dobson kicked three goals.