Catalans welcome Hull FC to the Stade Gilbert Brutus for the second of the televised games this Bank Holiday Monday at 7pm. Both sides will want to bounce back after disappointing defeats on Friday night.
LAST TIME OUT
The Dragons were hammered by Salford 50-12 on an emotional night for the Red Devils, with fans asked to make a donation on entry to the Manchester attack victims appeal rather than ticket sales. Tries from Duport and Yaha as well as two Luke Walsh goals were the only points for the Dragons. This was the sixth straight defeat for Catalans who are slowly slipping down the table and already 13 points behind the league leader’s Castleford.
Hull continued their losing streak with a 26-22 loss to Leigh at the KCOM Stadium. The Black and Whites ended up 26-16 behind before an Albert Kelly try in the last five minutes set up for a tense end to the game. Hull have slipped down to fourth in the table after a couple of disappointing weeks for the Black and Whites.
KEY BATTLE
A battle down the middle may be the key in this game. With Greg Bird returning for Catalans and Gareth Ellis returning to the Hull squad, both adding much-needed leadership qualities to their respective teams.
PREDICTION
Both teams are without key squad members. Catalans have not looked like a very competitive side in recent weeks but Hull have hit their bad patch for the season. Hull need to bounce back if they want to keep their place in the top four. Injuries to key players could play a factor in this game but I think Hull will just have the edge. Hull by 6.
SQUAD NEWS
Catalans welcome back Greg Bird after missing last week’s defeat to Salford through suspension. Brayden Wiliame is out with Arthur Romano replacing him in the 19.
Hull are without Fonua, Sneyd and Taylor all missing through injury as well as Jordan Thompson who misses out because of illness. Ellis could make his first appearance since April after being included in the 19-man squad.
SQUADS
Catalans (19-man): Gigot, Inu, Yaha, Walsh, Myler, Moa, Aiton, Casty, Bird, Bousquet, Duport, Simon, Thornley, Albert, Da Costa, Seguier, Perez, Dezaria, Romano.
Hull FC (19-man): Shaul, Tuimavave, Griffin, Talanoa, Kelly, Houghton, Watts, Minichiello, Ellis, Connor, Green, Washbrook, Michaels, Manu, Bowden, Rawsthorne, Turgut, Downs, Fash.
MATCH DETAILS
Venue: Stade Gilbert Brutus
Referee: James Child
Date/Time: Monday 29th May 2017, 7pm
