Catalans Dragons have named a 21-man squad for Saturday evening’s Dragons vs York Knights fixture, with Tommy Makinson and Benjamin Garcia set for a farewell appearance at home. The match carries extra weight for the Dragons, who are looking to send off departing players in the right way and end the occasion with a victory.
Makinson and Garcia are due to retire at the end of the campaign, which gives this home game added significance beyond the usual league points. For Catalans, it is a chance to celebrate two long-serving players in front of their own supporters while also keeping focus on the task in front of them. York, meanwhile, are still searching for a first win over Catalans.
John Cartwright makes three changes
Head coach John Cartwright has made three changes to the squad for the fixture, including two changes linked to the latest group of selections. That gives Catalans a slightly different look heading into the contest, but the broader message is clear: this is a night when the club wants to balance selection decisions with the emotional importance of the occasion.
The Dragons have plenty of recent history on their side against York as well. Catalans beat York 92-8 in CCR5 on 12 May 2013, won 34-22 in CCR5 on 22 April 2018, and were victorious again in SLR12 on 23 May 2026 by a 36-22 margin. Those results show the scale of the challenge York face as they look to break through for that first win in the fixture.
Milestones and motivation
The game also comes with milestone possibilities. The squad contains players approaching landmark Super League and career appearances, including a 250th Super League appearance, a 150th Super League appearance, and a 150th career appearance among the figures attached to this group. With several players carrying notable appearance totals, the evening has the feel of a match where individual milestones and team objectives overlap.
For Catalans, the ideal ending is straightforward: honour Tommy Makinson and Benjamin Garcia, keep the performance level high, and give the home crowd a result to match the atmosphere. York will try to spoil that plan, but the Dragons will go in with the stronger recent record and the added motivation of a farewell night to manage.
