Dragons v Rhinos: Teams
Catalans Dragons hope skipper Greg Bird will be able to play against Leeds during Magic Weekend at Murrayfield.
Last Updated: 03/05/09 11:54am
Catalans Dragons hope that skipper Greg Bird will be able to play against Leeds this weekend following his conviction for assault in Sydney.
Les Catalans are due to face the Super League champions at Murrayfield on the second day of Magic Weekend in Edinburgh.
Coach Kevin Walters is confident that the Australian Test stand-off will make it to Edinburgh in time following his release on bail pending an appeal and sentencing in June.
The former Cronulla star is due to fly straight to the Scottish capital to link up with his team-mates on Saturday.
Injury
But, after picking up a groin injury on his last appearance against Salford in Perpignan a fortnight ago, Walters said that Dragons medical staff would assess his fitness ahead of Sunday's showdown.
"He'll be there but he'll be travel weary," he said. "Our medical staff haven't had a chance to talk to him yet but they'll have a look at him when he arrives in Edinburgh."
Walters will have no hesitation in playing his star man after Bird was allowed to continue his career by the Rugby Football League.
"The best way is to get on with the things he does best and he does that pretty well," he said. "Hopefully he will take the field on Sunday but we're not sure yet."
The Dragons are still without leading points-scorer Thomas Bosc and former Australian Test prop Jason Ryles.
But Walters will be hoping that centre Adam Mogg will return after being dogged by hamstring trouble for the last two months.
Smith returns
The Rhinos are boosted by the return of Lee Smith, who has missed the last six games with a knee infection, after he took part in full training this week.
Speaking to the Rhinos website, Smith said: "It has been tough being sat in the stand in recent weeks when I just want to be out there helping the lads out. But I am fully recovered now and 100% confident in the injury.
"It should be a great weekend up in Edinburgh and a great occasion for all the fans. It is pretty special for Rugby League to be able to do something like this and I am sure it will be a great atmosphere."
Catalans Dragons squad: Baile, Bell, Bentley, Bird, Carlaw, Casty, Duport, Elima, Fakir, Ferriol, Gossard, Greenshields, Guisset, McGuire, Mogg, Mounis, Pelo, Perry, Touxagas.
Leeds Rhinos squad: Webb, Donald, Smith, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Leuluai, Buderus, Peacock, Jones-Buchanan, Lauitiiti, Sinfield, Diskin, Kirke, Ablett, Burgess, Watkins, Worrall.