Huddersfield Giants unchanged but Catalans Dragons leave star on the bench

Picture by Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com - 09/09/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Eliminator - Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos - Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan, France - Dean Whare of Catalans Dragons catches a high ball under pressure from Aidan Sezer of Leeds Rhinos and scores a try Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos SWP-1842-0026

The earliest of the four games tonight sees Catalans Dragons travel to the John Smiths’ Stadium to face Huddersfield Giants as both sides look to recover from close losses.

Catalans fell short against unbeaten Warrington in Perpignan last week despite ending the game with a man advantage following former Dragon Gil Dudson’s red card.

Unfortunately they were unable to utilise that man advantage as the Wire gritted it out and managed to maintain their winning streak and extend it to eight games.

As for Huddersfield they played in the last game of the round and whilst the Dragons lost by just one converted try, the Giants lost by just one point.

Leading 13-4 at half time at Headingley, Ian Watson’s men failed to build on that and allowed hosts Leeds to work their way back into the game.

The returning Jermaine McGillvary had opened the scoring early on before try-scoring forward Chris McQueen bagged the first of his two tries, leaving Leeds 10-0 down after just eight minutes.

Ian Watson hasn’t been deterred by that loss though as he names the same unchanged line-up to host Catalans tonight, meaning the spine of Pryce, Connor, Lolohea and Peats continues.

Confirmation mid-week that Olly Russell will be out for an extended period is a blow but the Giants will be confident, particularly because Catalans have a key man starting from the bench.

Steve McNamara has named his starting 13 and Sam Tomkins has returned but he’s set to start from the bench tonight.

NRL signing Adam Keighran continues in the halves whilst England international Micky McIlorum is injured and misses out.

The Dragons’ leading try-scorer Tom Johnstone features again and will look for more success on the left flank against veteran McGillvary.

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