Catalans Dragons v Leigh Leopards team news as key men return for both sides

In the second of Saturday’s Super League games, Catalans Dragons host Leigh Leopards in the south of France.

The home side has had a torrid 2025 so far, currently sitting in sixth in the Super League table and six points off the top six.

They were expected to be competing against the top teams, but with many of their new signings either out injured or under-performing, interim head coach Joel Tomkins isn’t afraid to drop those big names if they’re out of form.

On the other hand, Leigh have been quietly going under the radar this season and sit in fourth in the table; a win for the Leopards would see them leapfrog Leeds Rhinos into third.

Following the 21-man squad announcements during the week, here’s how both Catalans Dragons and Leigh Leopards line up on Saturday evening.

Catalans Dragons v Leigh Leopards squads

Catalans Dragons team news

Catalans Dragons interim boss Joel Tomkins has made five changes to the side that got thumped 68-6 by Hull KR last weekend.

Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet is dropped in favour of a return for Sam Tomkins at fullback to add some experience to the side. He will also captain the team.

Ben Garcia is suspended, so in comes Paul Seguier in his second row spot.

Reimis Smith is replaced by Leo Darrelatour in the centres, and Theo Fages drops out to make way for Cesar Rouge in the halves.

Franck Maria comes into the starting line-up and starts at prop, replacing Julian Bousquet, who moves to the bench.

Tariq Sims is out once again, and Jordan Dezaria takes his spot on the bench.

Catalans Dragons XIII: Sam Tomkins, Tommy Makinson, Matthieu Laguerre, Leo Darrelatour, Nick Cotric, Luke Keary, Cesar Rouge, Chris Satae, Alrix Da Costa, Franck Maria, Arthur Romano, Paul Seguier, Oliver Partington.

Interchanges: Tevita Pangai Jr, Julian Bousquet, Bayley Sironen, Jordan Dezaria.

Leigh Leopards team news

Leigh Leopards boss Adrian Lam makes just two changes to his side that beat Wakefield Trinity last Sunday.

Gareth O’Brien returns to the starting line-up following concussion problems. He replaces Ben McNamara in the halves, which is a surprise, considering how well McNamara has been playing in his absence. He takes up Bailey Hodgson’s spot in the interchange from last week.

Jack Hughes drops out of the matchday squad, and there’s a return for Ethan O’Neill on the bench.

There’s still no place for Josh Charnley in the side as speculation grows about his future, likely away from the Leopards from next season.

Leigh Leopards XIII: David Armstrong, Darnell McIntosh, Tesi Niu, Umyla Hanley, Keanan Brand, Gareth O’Brien, Lachlan Lam, Joe Ofahengaue, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Frankie Halton, Owen Trout, Isaac Liu.

Interchanges: Alec Tuitavake, Matt Davis, Ethan O’Neill, Ben McNamara.