Joel Tomkins named Betfred Super League Coach of the Month for September

Joel Tomkins has been named as the Betfred Super League Coach of the Month for September after helping Catalans Dragons achieve an unbeaten run in their final three games of the season.

The Dragons started the month with a narrow victory against Salford Red Devils, edging a tight game by one point. The Red Devils led 10-4 going into the second half, forcing Tomkins’ side to rethink their strategy, and with just 12 men to play the last 46 minutes, the Dragons showed resilience and composure under pressure.

A try from Denive Balmforth put Catalans ahead for the first time with fifteen minutes to go, before a drop goal from Ugo Tison sealed their victory at 16-17.

Heading into Round 26, the Dragons faced a high flying Leeds Rhinos who had not conceded any points in their previous two fixtures. The Dragons soon put a stop to that, leaving the Rhinos trailing 0-8 at the break. Catalans’ hooker Tison slipped past a defender to score the opening try from close range, with Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet adding the conversion.

Two penalties added either side of half-time by Aispuro-Bichet helped bring the Rhinos’ hopes of a top two finish to a swift end.

His side rounded off their 2025 season with a dramatic contest against Hull FC which saw the Dragons crush the Black and White’s Play-Off hopes in a 22-26 victory. Despite a flying start from Hull, Catalans responded quickly and a back-and-forth game ensued.

Although only playing for personal pride, Joel Tomkins' side weren’t willing to end their season without a fight, and were able to end the year on a positive and promising note.

The match was also particularly poignant for Tommy Makinson who joined an elite club as the fourth man to score 200 Super League tries.

One member of the voting panel said:

“With so many players leaving and with nothing to play for it was impressive to see Joel Tomkins encourage such a decent finish from their final three games.

“The win against Leeds in particular highlighted the potential within the group, the input Tomkins can generate and his tactical nous too.”

The voting panel for Betfred Coach of the Month is made up of selected members of the Rugby League media.