2018 Super League – Huddersfield Giants vs Catalans Dragons Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Friday 15th June, 19:45
Where? John Smith's Stadium
What channel is it on? Huddersfield Giants vs Catalans Dragons will not be televised live
Where can I stream the match? N/A
Are tickets still available? https://giants.tickethour.co.uk/
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS
Head Coach: Simon Woolford
Squad: Cudjoe, English, Ferguson, Gaskell, Hinchcliffe, Ikahihifo, Lawrence, Leeming, McGillvary, McIntosh, Mellor, Murphy, O’Brien, Rankin, Roberts, Russell, Smith, Turner, Wood
Unavailable: Colton Roche, Adam Walne, Tyler Dickinson, Ukuma Ta’ai, Jake Mamo, Danny Brough, Paul Clough
- Huddersfield bounced back from their Challenge Cup disappointment with their fourth consecutive Super League win as they defeated Leeds last week. The Giants were in front for large spells in the game and did enough to hold on at the end in an 18-25 win.
- Dale Ferguson and Oliver Roberts return to the 19-man squad after recovering from injuries with Paul Clough and Innes Senior the two to make way.
- The Giants’ run of form couldn’t have come at a better time with them propelling themselves into the top 8 but ninth-placed Catalans – their opponents in this game – sit just one point behind them.
CATALANS DRAGONS
Head Coach: Steve McNamara
Squad: Anderson, Baitieri, Bird, Bousquet, Casty, Drinkwater, Duport, Edwards, Garcia, Gigot, Goudemand, Jullien, Langi, McIlorum, Mead, Moa, Simon, Tierney, Wiliame
Unavailable: Paul Aiton, Lucas Albert, Thibaud Margalet, Jodie Broughton, Fouad Yaha, Antoni Maria
- Catalans won their third consecutive league game and their fifth in all competitions as they defeated Widnes to keep the pressure on the top 8. The Dragons produced a solid second half display as they outscored the Vikings 20 points to two as they claimed a 32-12 win.
- Catalans are forced into two changes with Antoni Maria injured and Fouad Yaha suspended. They’re replaced by Jason Baitieri and Vincent Duport.
- The Dragons are yet to taste victory away from home in Super League this season with no wins from their six games.
THE PREDICTION
Huddersfield host Catalans in a huge encounter in the race to avoid the Middle 8s. The Giants have offered free entry for this game to try and attract a big crowd as they seek an important win to open up some daylight between themselves and those teams below. Catalans haven’t travelled well this season with no wins from any of their six away games in Super League although they did win their game at Magic Weekend. Both teams are in good form and know the importance of the game but it may pay to side with the Giants on home soil in what should be a close contest.
