Dragons v Rhinos: Teams
Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McClennan is hoping his side can spark a string of wins with victory over Catalans Dragons.
Last Updated: 05/06/09 1:44pm
Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McClennan hopes that his side can kick-start a winning streak when they face Catalans Dragons on Saturday.
The reigning Super League champions did not play in last weekend's Challenge Cup quarter-finals after being dumped out of the competition by St Helens in April.
But now McClennan is looking for a string of victories that would see them challenging for top spot in the table.
"This is the first game of a run of games before the next break for the semi-final of the Carnegie Challenge Cup," he told the club's official website.
"It is important for us to get off to a good start for this run of games because we want to build up our performances.
"Catalans are a strong side, especially in the forwards, and they have tested us in the two meetings we have already had this year. In Thomas Bosc they have a player who can control a game."
Changes
The Rhinos make three changes to the squad that comfortably defeated Hull FC 46-16 in their most recent league fixture.
Paul McShane, Ashley Gibson and Simon Worrall are included while Rob Burrow remains on the sidelines after suffering a dead-leg against Castleford. Jamie Jones-Buchanan also misses out due to injury.
The Dragons, who have lost their two previous encounters with Leeds this season, will be looking to capitalise on home advantage.
Head coach Kevin Walters is still being forced to pick from a side depleted through injury but does welcome back Australian forwards Jason Ryles and Jason Croker.
Catalans squad: Baile, Bell, Bird, Bosc, Carlaw, Casty, Croker, Elima, Ferriol, Gossard, Greenshields, Guisset, McGuire, Mogg, Mounis, Perry, Ryles, Stacul, Touxagas.
Leeds squad: Webb, Donald, Smith, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Leuluai, Buderus, Peacock, Lauitiiti, Sinfield, Diskin, Bailey, Kirke, Ablett, Burgess, Gibson, Worrall, McShane