Play-Off Eliminators preview

8 Sep 2022

Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos

Friday 9 September, Stade Gilbert Brutus, Sky Sports Arena, 8pm KO

Team news

After securing their top four spot in Round 26, Steve McNamara left out a host of key names for the Dragons trip to Wigan last week. Several big names return ahead this weeks Play-Off eliminator against Leeds, including 2021 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Sam Tomkins and long term absentee Mike McMeeken.

The Rhinos have been rocked by the Match Review Panels decision to hand Rhyse Martin a suspension following an incident against Castleford in Round 27. Vice captain Ash Handley is also unavailable after picking up a foot injury in the same game.

Rohan Smith has included electric centre Harry Newman is his 21-man squad this week after he was initially ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Catalans Dragons: Arthur Mourgue, Tom Davies, Samisoni Langi, Dean Whare, Fouad Yaha, Mitchell Pearce, Josh Drinkwater, Gil Dudson, Michael McIlorum, Mike McMeeken, Benjamin Garcia, Alrix Da Costa, Paul Seguier, Mickael Goudemand, Arthur Romano, Tyrone May, Dylan Napa, Joe Chan, Sam Kasiano, Sam Tomkins, Tiaki Chan.

Leeds Rhinos: Harry Newman, Liam Sutcliffe, Blake Austin, Aidan Sezer, Mikolaj Oledzki, Kruise Leeming, Matt Prior, James Bentley, Zane Tetevano, Brad Dwyer, Richie Myler, Cameron Smith, Tom Briscoe, Morgan Gannon, Sam Walters, Jarrod O'Connor, James Donaldson, Corey Johnson, Muizz Mustapha, Liam Tindall, Zak Hardaker.

Rohan Smith has been named August @Betfred Coach of the Month ??#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/DN00UujeeM
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 8, 2022

Prediction

The Rhinos left it late to secure the final place in the 2022 Play-Offs. After trailing Cas for over 70 minutes in Round 27, they found a way to win and keep their Grand Final aspirations alive. Their performance was less than convincing - and they'll need to be much better when they travel to France on Friday.

Catalans had the luxury of resting the bulk of their top players last week after securing a top four spot against Leeds in Round 26. They should be the fresher of the two teams and have the advantage of a loud, passionate home crowd to get behind them.

It will take a hell of an effort for Leeds to overturn the Dragons, but it can be done. Catalans have been a far cry from their history-making 2021 season and have shown some cracks in their performance this year. Although this may be one step too far for a battered and bruised Rhinos outfit.

Dragons by 10

Last 10 meetings

Catalans Dragons 32, Leeds 18 (SLR26, 29/8/22)

Catalans Dragons 32, Leeds 36 (aet) (SLR21, 30/7/22)

Leeds 4, Catalans Dragons 10 (SLR3, 24/2/22)

Catalans Dragons 27, Leeds 18 (SLR10, 16/7/21)

Leeds 18, Catalans Dragons 26 (SLR14, 9/7/21)

Catalans Dragons 26, Leeds 14 (SLEPO, 13/11/20)

Leeds 6, Catalans Dragons 34 (SLR14, 30/9/20)

Leeds 48, Catalans Dragons 8 (SLR25, 9/8/19)

Leeds 31, Catalans Dragons 12 (SLR20, 30/6/19)

Catalans Dragons 26, Leeds 22 (SLR7, 23/3/19)

Which team is in better form heading into the first game of the 2022 Play-Offs? 🙌
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 7, 2022

Huddersfield Giants v Salford Red Devils

Saturday 10 September, John Smith's Stadium, Sky Sports Arena & Channel 4, 1pm KO

Ian Watson is able to welcome several key players back into his Giants squad ahead of Saturday's huge contest against Salford. Luke Yates, Joe Greenwood and Owen Trout all return after sitting out last weeks win against Wakefield, whilst influential half-back Theo Fages is also included after missing the last two.

After Salford secured their place in the Play-Offs against Castleford in Round 26, Paul Rowley rested a number of key men last time out. They all return for Saturday's trip to Huddersfield, including Joe Burgess who has missed the last three games through injury.

Huddersfield Giants: Will Pryce, Ricky Leutele, Ashton Golding, Tui Lolohea, Theo Fages, Chris Hill, Danny Levi, Michael Lawrence, Josh Jones, Chris McQueen, Luke Yates, Matty English, Joe Greenwood, Owen Trout, Seb Ikahihifo, Adam O'Brien, Oliver Wilson, Leroy Cudjoe, Olly Russell, Innes Senior, Sam Hewitt, Toby King.

Salford Red Devils: Ryan Brierley, Ken Sio, Kallum Watkins, Tim Lafai, Joe Burgess, Brodie Croft, Marc Sneyd, Sitaleki Akauola, Andy Ackers, Shane Wright, James Greenwood, Elijah Taylor, King Vuniyayawa, Ryan Lannon, Chris Atkin, Jack Ormondroyd, Rhys Williams, Sam Luckley, Deon Cross, Alex Gerrard, Tyler Dupree.

Three outstanding players 🙌

Three outstanding seasons 💪

Who will win the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/8qteIJEOOu
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 8, 2022

Prediction

This is a difficult one to call. Two contrasting styles and two hugely improved sides battling it out for a Semi-Final spot.

On paper, Huddersfield have the advantage. They have been more consistent in 2022 and have shown they can win knock-out matches on their way to reaching the Challenge Cup Final. But Salford are disrupters. They have beaten the best this season and play a style of rugby that makes them a joy to watch and a threat to play against in equal measures.

Stylistically, the two sides are much different. But when the go into battle this Saturday, there will be little to separate them.

Giants by 1

Last 10 meetings

Salford 33, Huddersfield 16 (SLR23, 13/8/22)

Huddersfield 30, Salford 18 (SLR18, 10/7/22)

Huddersfield 34, Salford 2 (SLR4, 6/3/22)

Salford 18, Huddersfield 12 (SLR19, 13/8/21)

Huddersfield 8, Salford 9 (SLR10, 18/6/21)

Huddersfield 16, Salford 24 (SLR15, 8/10/20)

Salford 10, Huddersfield 12 (SLR3, 14/2/20)

Salford 32, Huddersfield 12 (SLR25, 11/8/19)

Salford 18, Huddersfield 36 (SLR21, 4/7/19)