Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos - all you need to know

Leeds Rhinos put their four-match winning run on the line when they visit Catalans Dragons on Saturday.
Tom Briscoe. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Tom Briscoe. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Tom Briscoe. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Here is all the essential information.

Competition: Betfred Super League round seven

Opposition: Catalans Dragons

Steve McNamara. Picture by PASteve McNamara. Picture by PA
Steve McNamara. Picture by PA

At: Stade Gilbert Brutus

On: Saturday, March 14

Kick-off: 5pm UK time

Coverage: Live steam via Sky Sports You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9r6am16v9k

Konrad Hurell. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Konrad Hurell. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Konrad Hurell. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

Weather at kick-off: Sunny, 16 degrees.

Tickets: The game will be played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak. No fans will be admitted, but tickets have been refunded.

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Opposition coach: A former Hull, Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats player, Steve McNamara, 48, was Bulls' coach from 2006-2010 and England boss from 2010-2015. He then had stints as an assistant at Sydney Roosters and New Zealand Warriors before joining Catalans in 2017. He steered them to their first major trophy, the Challenge Cup, the following year.

Opposition form: Like Leeds, Catalans have bounced back well from a disastrous home performance in round one. Since the 32-12 drubbing by Huddersfield Giants, the French outfit have beaten Castleford Tigers, Hull and Salford, who were defeated 30-14 at Stade Gilbert Brutus two days ago.

Opposition’s star man: Goal-kicking half-back James Maloney played State of Origin for New South Wales last year, has three Test caps and more than 250 NRL appearances to his name.

Key battle: Konrad Hurrell has been in barnstorming form for Rhinos this season, but he - and particularly his ability in the air - will be tested by Israel Folau, who is unbeaten so far in his Catalans career. Both of them can be devastating if they get on the front foot.

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Previous meeting: August 9, 2019. Betfred Super League round 25. Leeds Rhinos 48 (Tries Handley 2, Myler 2, Martin, Lui, L Briscoe. Goals Martin 10), Catalans Dragons 8 (Try Goudemand. Goals Gigot 2). Referee: Robert Hicks. Attendance: 11,336.

Last five results: Catalans LLWWW, Leeds LWWWW

Super League record: Catalans Dragons won 11 (includes win in 2014 play-offs), Leeds won 23 (includes wins in 2009 and 2012 play-offs).

Milestones: Leeds’ Joe Greenwood needs one appearance for 100 in Super League.

Odds: Rhinos receive two points start.

Team news: Tom Briscoe replaces Liam Sutcliffe in the only change to the 21-man squad named before Rhinos’ win over Toronto Wolfpack last week. Catalans are without Sam Tomkins (suspended) and Benjamin Jullien (injured), but David Mead and Joel Tomkins are back in contention.

Full squads here: https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/tom-briscoe-named-leeds-rhinos-squad-catalans-dragons-showdown-2448166