Catalans Dragons v Hull FC line-ups predicted amid loose-forward hole and injury questions

Catalans Dragons interim head coach Joel Tomkins will expect to see a reaction from his side this weekend when they take on Hull FC at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. The Dragons were beaten 48-0 last week by Wigan Warriors, with that loss coming just days after the dismissal of Steve McNamara.

It was a performance that highlighted just how far off the Dragons are from the standards they have set for themselves in recent seasons. As such, they’ll be determined to bounce back with a better showing against the Black and Whites, who travel after beating Leigh Leopards last week.

Hull turned in one of their most impressive performances of the season last time around and while they will be without John Asiata, they will be looking to pile the misery on their French hosts.

John Cartwright’s side won in France in round one and a repeat showing could see them end the round in fifth, depending on results elsewhere.

So here’s how we think both sides might line up.

Tomkins has some calls to make around injuries this week with Tommy Makinson, Nick Cotric and Benjamin Garcia among the players included after missing out on the action last time around.

If fit, all three can be expected to start the contest and that could come as a big boost for the Dragons, who haven’t won for over a month. Makinson and Cotric would feature on the wings, with Matthieu Laguerre and Reimis Smith inside them, while Garcia can expect to be named at hooker.

That would see Alrix Da Costa dropped to the bench to spell the skipper, while Fouad Yaha may also be used on the bench if either Makinson or Cotric are below 100 per cent.

Paul Seguier might be the man to replace Tariq Sims in the side with the back-rower dropping out of the fold this week.

Cartwright’s plans will depend on the fitness of Cade Cust, who suffered a hip injury last week against Leigh. If he’s able to play at stand-off, he will and that makes predicting the line-up a lot more straightforward.

Jordan Rapana is likely to feature after being cleared of the head knock that ruled him out of last week’s game and he’ll play at centre meaning there’s a chance the only other change could come at loose-forward.

Asiata picked up a hamstring injury last time out and won’t travel and that opens the door for one of Hull’s middles to take on the number 13 role this week. They’ll play a slightly different role, it’s fair to say, but it’s an opportunity for someone to catch the eye.

Brad Fash wasn’t involved last week but he has played that role in the past, and he might just be the man Cartwright looks to.

If Cust isn’t fit, one of Will Pryce, Rapana or Jack Charles will play at six.

Predicted Catalans Dragons v Hull FC line-ups

Catalans Dragons: Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet; Tommy Makinson, Matthieu Laguerre, Reimis Smith, Nick Cotric; Luke Keary, Theo Fages; Chris Satae, Benjamin Garcia, Romain Navarrete; Elliott Whitehead, Paul Seguier; Oliver Partington.

Bench: Alrix Da Costa, Jordan Dezaria, Franck Maria, Fouad Yaha.

Hull FC: Will Pryce; Harvey Barron, Jordan Rapana, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Liam Knight; Zak Hardaker, Ed Chamberlain; Brad Fash.

Bench: Tom Briscoe, Jack Ashworth, Sam Eseh, Matty Laidlaw.

Touchdown in Perpignan ☀️😎

⚫️⚪️ #COYH | @ecostrad pic.twitter.com/c1BGkzkha3

— Hull FC (@hullfcofficial) May 30, 2025