Catalans Dragons vs Hull Kingston Rovers
Venue: Emerald Headingley
Kick-off: Saturday 27th March, 5:15pm
Head-to-Head
Last Five Results: Catalans 34-4 Hull KR (09/10/20), Catalans 6-24 Hull KR (31/08/19), Hull KR 16-18 Catalans (17/03/19), Catalans 18-16 Hull KR (10/03/18), Hull KR 23-4 Catalans (15/02/18)
Preview
After a promising 2020 campaign that saw the Dragons reach the semi-finals, Catalans kick off the season against Hull KR at Headingley. The Robins will be hoping for a better campaign under Tony Smith having propped up the table last term.
The Dragons have Micky McIlorum and Joel Tomkins suspended, while Samisoni Langi and Arthur Romano are missing through injury. Steve McNamara is able to include new recruits Dean Whare, Gil Dudson and Mike McMeeken in his 21-man squad.
Rovers are set to hand debuts to a number of their off-season signings including Korbin Sims, Albert Vete and Ryan Hall who makes his eagerly anticipated return to Super League on Saturday. Brad Takairangi remains a doubt but is included in Tony Smith’s 21-man squad.
Prediction
This is a tricky one to predict with both clubs recruiting well in the off-season and the outcome will likely depend on how well each team’s new signings gel together. Catalans’ have the edge in terms of personnel and were strong for much of the 2020 campaign, despite being heavily impacted by Covid-19, and should have enough to see off Rovers at Headingley.
