Leeds Rhinos host Catalans Dragons tonight at Headingley in what is close to a must-win game for Brad Arthur’s side with their playoff hopes on the line.
A loss to Warrington Wolves last week and a win for Leigh meant that Leeds Rhinos actually slipped to eighth in Super League, however, losses for each of St Helens, Salford and tonight’s opponent Catalans means the Rhinos are still just four points shy of the top six.
The problem is that only five games remain with each and every game having a ‘Cup Final’ feel about it, particularly this one given that they can close within two of the Dragons with a win.
For the same reasons, it’s a huge game for Catalans who were dismantled by Hull KR at Magic Weekend. A win for Steve McNamara’s side would keep that four-point gap open and also restore some much-needed confidence for a side who were embarrassed at Elland Road last week.
Leeds Rhinos Team News
Credit: Imago Images
Leeds Rhinos have seen two players return to the fray but another star will miss the remainder of the season.
Brodie Croft returns from Australia after attending his grandfather’s funeral, whilst young winger Riley Lumb makes a return to a 21-man squad for the first time since May when he pulled up with a hamstring injury on just his second appearance.
It’s a timely return as winger Ash Handley has undergone surgery on his wrist which means he will miss the remainder of the season. The second player to drop out is Corey Johnson, whilst Morgan Gannon remains out for the year under advice from the medical team.
Catalans Dragons Team News
Credit: Imago Images
The Dragons have been unable to name a 21-man squad after losing several players to injury on Sunday, however, just Matt Ikuvalu and Jarrod Wallace have dropped out of the squad.
Ikuvalu went off with what appeared to be a torn pec whilst Jarrod Wallace suffered a knee injury in the loss to Hull KR. There had been concerns about Franck Maria who suffered a shoulder injury but the youngster has been named in the squad and is joined by loose forward Yacine Ben Abdeslem.
Sam Tomkins remains out, as do Tariq Sims, Michael McIlorum, Tom Johnstone, Manu Ma’u and Jordan Abdull.
