Leeds Rhinos are set to travel to the Catalans Dragons tonight after being given the green light by the governing body.
This fixture needed the green light because of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing yesterday – news which rocked the world after 70 years on the throne.
However, because the game is being played in France, the fixture will not be affected with both sets of players wearing black armbands and observing a minute’s silence prior to kick-off.
On the pitch it will be an interesting battle with Leeds having travelled to the Stade Gilbert Brutus three times in the past six weeks.
One of those men at the heart of the Catalans charge will be veteran fullback Sam Tomkins, who has earned rave reviews from opposing boss Rohan Smith ahead of the game.
“He knows where to be, he’s got that sixth sense and he’s been one of the best players in the Super League era from what I’ve seen,” Smith said in his pre-match press conference leading up to tomorrow’s fixture.
“He’s been up there for a long period, he’s good with ball in hand, he can create things from other people.”
Smith has not only issued a warning about Tomkins to his players, but also to the officials.
“There’s a level of familiarity between the two teams,” said the Rhinos boss. “They know what’s coming and we know what’s coming.
“There may be a few things that they’ve kept up their sleeve for this type of day. We’ll have to do our best to combat what they’ve got.
“His kicking is good and he organises his defensive line well. He has an influence on the officials at times I reckon, too.”
It will be interesting to see how the fixture plays out given this is now knock-out rugby league with all eyes set to be firmly focused on the Stade Gilbert Brutus tonight.
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