Rhinos are hot favourites to maintain an unbeaten record against French opposition –but forward Willie Poching feels Les Catalans will not go down without a fight.
The engage Super League newcomers have lost all three games since beating Wigan Warriors at Perpignan's Stade Aime Giral in round one a month ago.
They were crushed 50-18 at home by Bradford Bulls last week, but Poching insisted Rhinos will have to be at their best to return to England with the points.
"They are missing a couple of key players – Stacey Jones in particular – but the rest are all international or thereabouts," said Poching. "They are all talented people and the form of their forward pack has been very good, they are big and strong and they love contact.
"The guys in the middle are going to have our hands full.
"We are expecting them to throw everything at us. They got a bit embarrassed last week by losing to Bradford by such a big scoreline on home soil.
"They are going to be hurting a bit and they are going to take it out on us – but we are ready for that.
"We're looking forward to it, they are a brand new side and it's chance for us to experience something different."
Rhinos flew to France yesterday and Poching – a member of the Leeds team beaten 32-24 by London in Perpignan last July – said: "The travel can't be used as an excuse to go out and under-perform.
"We got beaten the last time we travelled there and it caught us out a bit, but we are better prepared for it than we were last year.
"We had a good win last week and we bounced back from the defeat at St Helens.
"We have got to try and keep the momentum going. "We want to try and keep improving and this is an opportunity for us to do that, but we can't get caught up expecting a big score.
"We know it's going to be tough, it's going to be an interesting game."
Super sub Poching is set to start for the second successive game tomorrow and he is determined not to give up his place in the first 13 easily.
"I am enjoying starting, I love it," he said. "Every time I get a start it's good for me.
"Every person who plays the game wants to start and I'm no different.
"It is nice to be there. I understand there's some players out, but I am going to try and keep it as long as I can. It is up to me to try and keep it by keeping playing my best every week."
Competition
"There is a lot of competition and a lot of people who can play back-row. Ian Kirke stepped up to the plate last week and had a fantastic game.
"In this squad there's always people who are going to take your place from you if you let up."
Kirke could make his second Super League appearance tonight, with teenage half-back Jordan Tansey poised for his debut off the substitutes' bench.
"It is good to have these young kids coming in, it is positive for the team," said Poching.
"The more competition for places the better. "As long as the team's in good health, everybody involved in the squad's happy.
"It is good for the long-term future of the club."

RHINOS Academy have signed winger Ryan Hall, who has been playing for Oulton Raiders in the National Conference Premier Division.

Former Hull KR second rower Andy Raleigh has recovered from a hernia operation and could make his Huddersfield debut against St Helens after being included in a 20-strong squad.
Giants centre Michael De Vere (back) is doubtful.