2019 Super League – Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants taking place? Saturday 9th February, 17:00
Where is Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants taking place? Stade Gilbert Brutus
What channel is Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants on in the UK? Sky Sports Arena
Where can I stream the match in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants?
Catalans Dragons – https://www.dragons-billetterie.com/uk
Huddersfield Giants – https://giants.tickethour.co.uk/
THE TEAM NEWS
CATALANS DRAGONS
Head Coach: Steve McNamara
Squad: Baitieri, Bousquet, Casty, Da Costa, Edwards, Garcia, Gigot, Goudemand, Jullien, Langi, McIlorum, Moa, Romano, Simon, Smith, Tierney, Tomkins, Whitley, Wiliame
Unavailable: Greg Bird, Jodie Broughton, David Mead
- Catalans' season got off to a sluggish start as they were comfortably beaten by Castleford in Round 1 but are on home soil this week and will be looking to respond quickly to notch their first win of the year.
- Catalans will be hoping influential hooker Michael McIlorum can make a return this week after he was a late omission from last week's game and his inclusion in this week’s 19-man squad suggests he will play.
- David Mead is unavailable for the Dragons due to personal problems with his place in the 19 taken by Arthur Romano whilst Greg Bird and Jodie Broughton will be out for the foreseeable future.
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS
Head Coach: Simon Woolford
Squad: English, Farrell, Frawley, Grix, Hewitt, Ikahihifo, Lawrence, Leeming, Matagi, McIntosh, Mellor, Murphy, O’Brien, Roberts, I. Senior, Turner, Uate, Walne, Wardle
Unavailable: Jermaine McGillvary, Leroy Cudjoe, Dale Ferguson, Paul Clough, Jake Wardle, Lee Gaskell, Ukuma Ta’ai
- Huddersfield Giants suffered a heavy defeat to begin their campaign with Salford Red Devils racking up 34 points in the opening round and now face a tough trip to the south of France to face Catalans.
- Huddersfield are struggling with injuries to key players at the moment and it showed against Salford with youngster Izaac Farrell receiving a late call-up to last week’s squad with him retaining his place this week after a good showing.
- The Giants are also without blockbusting forward Ukuma Ta’ai with the big Tongan sidelined through visa issues and unless he receives some good news in the build-up to kick-off, he will again be forced to sit out.
THE PREDICTION
Both of these teams got off to an under-par start in Round 1 last week but it's Huddersfield who will have the greater concern heading into Round 2. Catalans are strong at home and with a big pack to roll them down the field, the Giants' injury woes will be difficult to overcome. With no less than seven first team players unavailable, Catalans will be able to take full advantage and get their home campaign off to the perfect start.
