Ten months after his injury - he underwent a shoulder surgery - Vincent Duport is back to business for the first game of the Super League against Wigan Warriors, Friday. The french player is looking forward to play again and to show the new face of Catalans Dragons.

You’ll play against Wigan your first game since 10 months. What is your feeling with this come back?

I’m so impatient. It’s a good pressure before the game. I’m already looking forward to play this game after 12 weeks of training and two friendly games. Today, as all the squad, I’m ready for the start of the Super League!

It was really a long time out of action. To be motivated, I keep some pictures of last year in my memory. Especially the first game I saw from the grandstand after my surgery. I remember the shivers I had when I saw my teammates on the ground. Now, I have again the opportunity to play. I have to take my chance, to enjoy the game and above all, to do a great performance. It could be the best way to launch the season.

How do you feel now ?

I’m quite good. I recovered well after my injury and my surgery. The squad works since 12 weeks but me, I was back 4/5 months ago to be ready on time. I would like more than anything to be at 100% for the first game and that’s it. I’m happy.
 

You'll start the season at Wigan. What can you say about them ?

It’s a very aggressive team. They play very hard but they are also technical. We’ll play them away, it’ll be a very bad weather… A game against this kind of team, we need to win the forwards battle (laugh)… It was the speech of the head coach. We need to win the battle with our forwards and to be aggressive in all what we do. If we give them too much confidence, too much space, they are able to do very great things.

With your experience, how do you approach the game ?

We know that it’s the first game of the season, but for sure not the last one. There is 30 games a year ! But we know also how it’s important to begin well the season and to send a strong message to the other Super League’s sides. So, 2016 is the year of Catalans Dragons. If we begin with a win away, with a strong performance, I think the message will be well sent to the others.

Some big names arrived to Catalans Dragons this winter. This is the proof that the team would like, again, to improve this year.

Their guys are really nice. They show true values and qualities. There is a very good atmosphere in the team. I enjoy playing and talking with them. I feel they are here to help the club to improve.