Catalans v Hull KR: Predicted line-ups and late injury news

Today concludes with an eye-brow raising battle between Catalans and Hull KR. The two teams had very opposing 2020s as the Dragons got within 80 minutes of Old Trafford as Rovers finished bottom. However, the Robins have recruited well and their attacking style makes them a threat.

Catalans will take some beating despite the stars they’ll have missing. Ex-Wigan duo Michael McIlorum and Joel Tomkins are suspended whilst Samisoni Langi and Arthur Romano miss out through injury. There are a couple of doubts lingering over Tom Davies and Gil Dudson who were left out of their pre-season games as a precaution. Centre is a problem position with the mystery surrounding Israel Folau and the injury to Langi. With that in mind I can see Mathieu Laguerre being given his first senior appearance.

Hull KR have a few more injury worries. They’re missing new recruit Muizz Mustapha, Owen Harrison, Joe Keyes, Will Maher and Will Dagger. Mikey Lewis could be trusted in the halves however I can see Tony Smith going with Brad Takairangi at 6 just as he did against Castleford in a pre-season friendly. Takairangi along with Korbin Sims and Ryan Hall will likely debut for the Rovers. However, Takairangi could yet be withdrawn from the contest having pulled up in training this week with a muscle strain.

Catalans Dragons

29. Sam Tomkins

2. Tom Davies

20. Mathieu Laguerre

4. Dean Whare

5. Fouad Yaha

6. James Maloney

7. Josh Drinkwater

28. Sam Kasiano

14. Alrix Da Costa

10. Julian Bousquet

11. Matt Whitley

12. Mike McMeeken

13. Benjamin Garcia

Substitutions

1. Arthur Mourge

8. Gil Dudson

15. Benjamin Jullien

24. Jason Baitieri

Hull KR

1. Adam Quinlan

2. Ben Crooks

3. Greg Minikin

4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall

5. Ryan Hall

11. Brad Takairangi

7. Jordan Abdull

10. Korbin Sims

9. Matt Parcell

15. George Lawler

12. Kane Linnett

13. Dean Hadley

17. Elliot Minchella

Substitutions

8. Albert Vete

14. Jez Litten

16. George King

18. Matty Storton