BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis

They have never won the English Super League but all that may be about to change in 2020 for Catalans Dragons if star recruit Israel Folau has anything to do with it.

Folau was sublime on the weekend for the French outfit, leading them to a comfortable 40-14 win over Castleford Tigers.

The 2018 Challenge Cup winners now sit 5th on the table with a 4-2 record.

Despite refusing to take a knee in pre-game again, fans and experts alike from both rugby codes couldn’t help but applaud Folau as he scored one slashing try himself and set up three others as the Dragons fired passed Castleford.

Argentina’s Fran Capizzi posted to Twitter: “The stride of @IzzyFolau intact” which was then retweeted by Spanish rugby expert Esteban Lasala.

“A beast Israel Folau, huge loss for rugby union, in the gallery of the 5 best 15 in the history of those few players who pay a ticket to see him play.”

The Yorkshire Post’s Dave Craven called Folau’s performance a “breathtaking display”.

ESPN Argentina picked up the story and posted: “Speed, feints, power … Israel’s flare #Folau at #RugbyLeague!”

Things didn’t start well for the Dragons as they trailed 14-0.

From there they scored 40 unanswered points.

It was devastating.

Legendary Great Britain prop Jim Mills called Folau a ‘class act’ on the field and ‘a lot better than Sonny Bill’.

The Guardian’s Aaron Bower said Folau was ‘phenomenal’.

“You have to tip your hat to him on the field: three monster plays from Israel Folau. The shift to create the space for Tom Davies was impressive, the solo try was even better and now that offload for Joel Tomkins to put Catalans three scores ahead. He’s been phenomenal.”

Politics aside, Folau might just be the injection Catalans need to finally win the Super League.

It may upset some, but nobody in the south of France seem to mind.

@woodward_curtis