Catalans Dragons coach Laurent Frayssinous has insisted that fixture congestion affected his players during their 30-12 defeat to St Helens on Thursday.
The Frenchman claims that his players needed more recovery time between matches, but added that he was proud of their performance in the semi-final clash.
"The last two weeks, with the lack of days to recover, definitely cost us," BBC Sport quotes him as saying.
"We are very disappointed with the loss but I'm very proud of the boys for what they have managed to do for the last three weeks. It is very good for the future of the club. I'm sure we learned a lot."
Saints will take on either Warrington Wolves or Wigan Warriors in the final.
