Leeds Rhinos vs Toulouse Olympique: Team news, match preview and score prediction

This game could be seen as big as any Leeds have contested over the last five years. A defeat would leave them bottom of the league and facing the prospect of a very real scrap for survival.

Leeds have had a major boost this week with the announcement of their new coach. Rohan Smith will take over in the coming weeks but for this game and against Hull KR, Jamie Jones-Buchanan will remain in charge. But, can the buzz this news will have generated propel Leeds to a much needed win?

As for Toulouse, they’ve had their own boost with Corey Norman signing for the club. On the back of that news, they can generate further positivity in this major opportunity to pull themselves off the bottom after some positive performances against Catalans and Hull KR. Could they shock the Rhinos and leave them struggling in 12th?

Team News

The Rhinos were unable to name a full 21-man squad such are their injuries and suspensions which has prompted them to go into the loan market with a move for Zak Hardaker rumoured. But for now, the Rhinos are without Jack Walker, David Fusitu’a, Harry Newman, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, James Bentley, Zane Tetevano, Richie Myler and Tom Holroyd. All four pre-season signings unavailable means we could again see 17-year-olds Jack Sinfield and Max Simpson.

Toulouse aren’t without their problems. Lucas Albert and Maxime Puech are both suspended and they still have five players out injured including Super League Champion Dominique Peyroux. They are boosted by the return of centre Mathieu Jussame who was key for them last season. His return is timely following Guy Armitage’s injury. Corey Norman is not yet available to debut.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Liam Sutcliffe vs Olly Ashall-Bott: Liam Sutcliffe has stepped up in recent weeks in the absence of Aidan Sezer and Jack Walker shifting to fullback. A danger there due to his size and strength, Leeds will be hoping to use him well to end their poor scoring run. However, his defence may be as key as he’ll be up against a dangerous player in the electric Olly Ashall-Bott who could have Leeds chasing their tails.

Ash Handley vs Matty Russell: Matty Russell is always a danger such is his explosivity and Leeds will have to contain him if they want to stop their French opponents. Meanwhile, the Rhinos’ Ash Handley has been an outstanding leader and performer in their recent struggles. He’ll work hard and look to take his opportunities as well as getting Leeds going at the starts of sets.

Kruise Leeming vs Tony Gigot: Kruise Leeming stood up in the halves on Monday following Blake Austin’s injury and he will have to do so again here. An electric player with a good kick on him, he could test Toulouse but he’ll be up against the mercurial Gigot who can make something happen from nothing.

Where the game will be won and lost:

Leeds have made the fewest passes in 2022 whilst Toulouse are always willing to chance their arm. The Rhinos may want to keep it conservative to restrict Toulouse and pin them down in their half but the Rhinos are going to have to be more expansive with the ball to break down the French side if they are going to pick up a vital win. If they don’t, Toulouse could hurt them on the counter.

Score Prediction: Leeds Rhinos 12-10 Toulouse Olympique