Super League: Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons preview
Last Updated: 26/07/15 6:16pm
Tom Briscoe and Jamie-Jones Buchanan are both named in Leeds' 19-man squad for their clash with Catalans Dragons at Headingley on Sunday.
Buchanan has been plagued by injuries this year but the Rhinos veteran makes his eagerly-awaited return for the visit of the French-based Dragons on Sunday.
Briscoe has been given the all-clear from the medical staff and returns to action after a lengthy time away from the game following a shoulder operation in March.
Leeds are currently in first place in the Super League standings, and any kind of win would ensure that is still the case at the close of round 23 on Sunday evening. However should St Helens fail to beat Hull KR on Friday night then only a heavy loss close to 100 points would see Rhinos fall to second on points difference.
"I am really looking forward to getting back into action," said Briscoe. "It has been a while having missed the last four months, and over the last few weeks I have been there or thereabouts but not been 100% to make my comeback. I'm really excited for this weekend.
"The medical and conditioning staff have been great with me and got me in a good position to come back playing and hopefully I can slide straight back in like I haven't been away.
"The mental side of the game is the one that gets everyone when you are out for so long, you do get frustrated when things are not coming on as quickly as you hoped and you're not quite passing your medicals.
"However, you know they are looking after your best interests and there is no point rushing things just to pinch a week or two and then putting your long term recovery back.
Meanwhile Dragons' coach Laurent Frayssinous has included Elliott Whitehead in his side for the trip to Leeds.
Whitehead took a heavy knock when he collided with Ukuma Ta'ai in his side's loss to Huddersfield over the weekend, but has been cleared to play on Sunday after passing a series of concussion tests throughout the week.
Another player injured in the Giants clash is Remi Casty, who will miss the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury.
The Catalans Dragons’ skipper ruptured ligaments in his right knee and will undergo surgery next month.
The Dragons will know what is required of them in order to make the Super 8s by the time they take the field on Sunday. Should Hull KR beat St Helens on Friday night then a heavy loss to Leeds could see the Dragons fall out of the top eight, though it is very unlikely with 73 points separating the two.
Leeds: Carl Ablett, Paul Aiton, Tom Briscoe, Rob Burrow, Adam Cuthbertson, Brett Delaney, Mitch Garbutt, Ryan Hall, Zak Hardaker, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jimmy Keinhorst, Kylie Leuluai, Danny McGuire, Joel Moon, Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield, Brad Singleton, Josh Walters, Kallum Watkins.
Dragons: Louis Anderson, Jason Baitieri, Julian Bousquet, Todd Carney, Scott Dureau, Olivier Elima, Morgan Escaré, Ben Garcia, Tony Gigot, Ian Henderson, Krisnan Inu, Jeff Lima, Thibaut Margalet, Antoni Maria, Eloi Pelissier, Ben Pomeroy, Jordan Sigismeau, Willie Tonga, Elliott Whitehead.