A few weeks ago, Catalans would have been the heavy favourites. But, in recent weeks, Leeds have improved vastly as their 44-0 drubbing of Huddersfield showed.

Both sides have won three of their last five games with the Rhinos now, miraculously, 8th with a superior points difference to their table rivals yet still just two points off bottom side London. Catalans, meanwhile, are 5th, two points behind Wigan in 4th and four behind Warrington in 3rd.

It’s three-apiece in previous results with Leeds at home against the French side, so that is unlikely to have any affect on the fixture, but the Rhinos currently have a bit of momentum under new boss Richard Agar.

As Tom Briscoe has been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, brother Luke comes in for just his third appearance in 2019.

It’s all change for Catalans as Lewis Tierney, Benjamin Jullien, Lambert Belmas and Lucas Albert return to the squad with Sam Tomkins and Michael McIlorum suspended whilst injured duo Samisoni Langi and Fouad Yaha join Sam Moa, Jason Baitieri and Jodie Broughton on the sidelines.

The Dragons benefitted greatly from the week off thanks to the Challenge Cup semi-finals and came back refreshed for their triumph over Warrington, but Leeds look in the mood to steer clear of the relegation spot once and for all. LEEDS FOR THE WIN