Betfred Super League: Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons preview, odds & tips

Leeds v Catalans
Sky Sports Arena, 7.45pm Friday

There has been a stampede to back Leeds Rhinos to beat Catalans Dragons at Headingley for the second time in six weeks, but with the handicap now hiked up into the mid-teens it may pay to dare to back the Dragons.

The market move started in the aftermath of the French club's chaotic win over Warrington last weekend which ended in a succession of brawls and saw Catalans pair Sam Tomkins and Michael McIlorum sent off.

The unsavoury scenes made the headlines but the Dragons were still deserving 30-10 winners.

The English duo are consequently both suspended for this match and it initially seemed they would be joined by several teammates.

However, Kenny Edwards, Brayden Wiliame and Mickael Simon all successfully contested bans and are free to play.

The visitors are still missing several other first-teamers including Samisoni Langi and Sam Moa, but they can still field an arguably stronger side than on their last trip to Leeds in June.

The Dragons lost that game 31-12 but they trailed by only seven points with 15 minutes to go.

They have managed four wins on this side of the Channel and the Rhinos' home record is nothing to shout about. They have won only three times inside 80 minutes in ten attempts.

Leeds were seriously impressive in a 44-0 win at Huddersfield last time out and Richard Agar's team wouldn't be just two points off the bottom of the Betfred Super League table if they played like that every week.

Catalans are three places and eight points above their opponents and badly need the points in the congested race for playoff places.

It could be that the bookmakers have underestimated their chances and Steve McNamara's men look worth chancing with the hefty start and at 5-1 to take the spoils outright.

Wigan will go third if they repeat last month's home win over Hull KR. That night the Warriors romped home 52-10 with Liam Marshall grabbing a hat-trick.

The winger is 14-1 to repeat the feat and 4-6 to score at any time. That's the same price as Bevan French, Wigan's exciting recruit from Parramatta who is set to make his debut.

The Warriors are asked to concede a start in the mid-teens in the handicap market.

Recommendations
Catalans +14
2pts 11-10 Betway
Catalans
1pt 5-1 Betway

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