Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants predicted line-ups with Hull FC loanee poised for debut

Catalans Dragons host Huddersfield Giants in the south of France on Saturday, with both sides looking to use the second half of the season to improve their slim chances of making the Super League play-offs.

Catalans sit in a better spot in ninth on ten points, but being seven points off sixth currently means they need to find some winning form pronto, as well as rely on other teams above them slipping up. As many pundits’ dark horses for 2025, they’ve arguably been one of the most disappointing sides this season.

The Giants might have won for just the second time this season last week against Warrington, and it would take a miracle for them to make the top six. However, recent performances prove that Huddersfield are playing better than the table might reflect, especially considering the number of injuries they’ve suffered this year.

Can Catalans close the gap to the top six with a victory at home, or can Huddersfield find a way to get successive wins in successive weeks?

Following the 21-man squad news during the week, here’s how we think Catalans Dragons and Huddersfield Giants will line up for Saturday’s game.

How Catalans Dragons could line up

The Dragons are struggling for numbers this week, with interim boss Joel Tomkins only able to name a 19-man squad. With a plethora of players either banned or out injured, it means only two players will miss out on the matchday 17.

Denive Balmforth has gone straight into the squad following his loan move from Hull FC during the week. With Ben Garcia suspended, it’s likely that he starts on the bench, with Alrix Da Costa starting at hooker.

Centres Mattheiu Laguerre and Reimis Smith are all out injured, so it’s likely that Nick Cotric will go back into the centres and Fouad Yaha will make a return to the wing to pair up with Leo Darrelatour.

With Chris Satae’s ban, Julian Bousquet could come back into the starting line-up at prop, with Bayley Sironen replacing the injured Arthur Romano in the second row.

Catalans Dragons: Sam Tomkins, Tommy Makinson, Nick Cotric, Leo Darrelatour, Fouad Yaha, Luke Keary, Cesar Rouge, Julian Bousquet, Alrix Da Costa, Franck Maria, Bayley Sironen, Paul Seguier, Oliver Partington.

Interchanges: Tevita Pangai Jr, Romain Navarette, Jordan Dezaria, Denive Balmforth.

How Huddersfield Giants could line up

Coach Luke Robinson is without two key forwards as Oliver Wilson and Sam Hewitt both miss out through injury.

Taane Milne has escaped a ban for a potential eye gouge against Warrington’s Jordy Crowther, so he keeps his spot in the centres to partner Jacob Gagai.

Considering the amount of changes so far this season, Robinson has tried to keep those changes minimal after getting some of his first-teamers back.

Hewitt could be replaced by Harry Rushton in the second row, with Fenton Rogers getting a spot on the bench.

Huddersfield Giants: George Flanagan Jr, Jacob Gagai, Taane Milne, Sam Halsall, Jake Bibby, Tui Lolohea, Matt Frawley, George King, Zac Woolford, Tristan Powell, Joe Greenwood, Harry Rushton, Leroy Cudjoe.

Interchanges: Tom Burgess, Ashton Golding, Matty English, Fenton Rogers.