Ben Garcia hopes to change opinions in rugby league as clubs learn IMG demands
BEN Garcia hopes to change a few opinions on both sides of the Channel.
In England, he wants people thinking French rugby league is worth bothering about as strategic partners IMG target the nation as a key growth area.
And in France, that the sport can thrive in areas other than its own heartland in the deep south – starting with tonight’s trip to Wigan.
French media giant L’Equipe is streaming this clash around the nation, the first of a deal that may yet be extended.
And Garcia believes being available to people in Lille, Marseille and Nantes can help both spread the 13-a-side code and alter a few mindsets.
Garcia said: “Rugby league needs to open its mind.
“If it doesn’t, in a few years it may be only England and Australia playing at the highest level, so France is the next country to develop.
“We try hard but maybe we need help to be good in a few years – the key is spreading the sport.
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“At Catalans, a lot of players come from areas like Marseille and everywhere, there’s not actually that many from Perpignan.
“However, there’s a lot of competition around. People are trying hard, though. We just need to keep going.
“And this year is a big year for us. We’ve found consistency home and away – we’ve played in the play-offs for a few years now and we’ve developed good, young French players.”
Catalans head to traditional powerhouses Wigan as one of two sides to have won all three matches – a feat more impressive given two victories have been achieved without England star Sam Tomkins.
Warriors boss Matt Peet insisted: “This is the first week for a few where I’m expecting a high level.
“Catalans are going to come and play us at our own game really. They’ll want to pin us down and it’ll be a better indicator of where we’re up to.
“Over the last few years, since Steve McNamara got a hold of them, they’re one of the teams you’d expect to be in the finals. They’re one of the teams you rely on as being in the mix.”
And Morgan Smithies, the man going head-to-head with Garcia in the loose forward role, believes he is up against the best – a battle that could help him towards England’s squad for next month’s mid-season Test against the French.
The 22-year-old said: “Ben is a very good player and when I go against another number 13, I always want to get the better of them. It brings that competitive side out of me.
“There are a few individuals in their pack but we’ll do everything we can to get the better out of them.
“Like every English lad, the dream is to play for my country but I’ll just take it as it comes – if I get picked, I’ll be very proud and happy.
“It’s Wigan first, though and personally, I’ve still got a long way to go – there are a lot of things I can improve on.”
Meanwhile, clubs should not to expect many curve balls as they learn what will be needed under IMG’s grading criteria.
And SunSport understands the main aim will be to grow the 13-a-side’s fanbase and improve sustainability in the sport.
Grade A clubs will be guaranteed a Super League place if they meet what the media giant outlines today.
However, it is believed there will be no leftfield demands – it will all be about growing the fanbase and making sure they are stable off the field.
When the grading comes in for the 2025 season, it is thought there will only be four or five Grade A sides.