Leeds Rhinos handed crucial advantage ahead of Catalans clash

Leeds Rhinos face a tough test at home at AMT Headingley Stadium against last year’s Grand Finalists Catalans Dragons, however their test against the Dragons has perhaps been made easier.

Leeds Rhinos will host the Dragons on Sky Sports on Saturday 2nd March at 3pm as part of a double header with Leeds United’s clash with Huddersfield Town at 12:30.

However, the Dragons have reportedly seen their flight to the UK delayed by the farmers strikes across Europe as per L’Independent.

This means that they will only have 24 hours in the UK to prepare which certainly hands the Rhinos an advantage.

Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons set for crucial test

Last year saw the club compete in its second Grand Final in three years but despite defeats to both St Helens and Wigan last year at Old Trafford, the Dragons will go again this time around with a host of new faces. The off-season brought in six new signings, mainly bolstering the half back options in light of Sam Tomkins and Mitchell Pearce’s departure, and the forward pack. Among the new faces, Chris Satae, Tariq Sims and Theo Fages are some of the names that stand out from their time in Super League, the NRL or international scene.

Starting the season at home, Catalans edged Warrington Wolves 16-10 thanks to four goals and a try from Arthur Mourgue, plus a try on debut from Jordan Abdull, before they ran six tries passed London Broncos in a 34-0 triumph last Friday. The win came in the wake of McNamara signing a new deal to stay at the club until 2026, and captain Ben Garcia swiftly followed afterwards as he agreed a deal of the same length.

This weekend, they arrive at AMT Headingley having suffered one of their seven losses to the Leeds Rhinos last season, before they host Hull FC and Castleford on home soil.