Leeds host Catalans in Play-off eliminators

The best of the rest face off in the Super League play-offs knowing there are no second chances. Challenge Cup winners Leeds take on Catalans, who beat Castleford last time out and prevented the Tigers winning the league leaders shield. West Yorkshire side Leeds, are odds-on at 4/11 to progress and keep their hopes of a cup double alive, with the French outfit priced at 9/4.

Rhinos second row Carl Ablett who was named in the Super League team of the season said: “We’re expecting a tough game and if you look at the way they’ve finished the season they are one of the in-form teams.

“They’ve got a bit of momentum behind them now and whenever we play them it’s always a real battle!

“Three of their players are in the top 10 try-scorers in Super League at the moment. This year we have been proud of the way we have defended and have the best record in the league to show so we’ll be looking to keep these guys quiet,” continued Ablett, who is 2/1 to score anytime.

“It’s difficult in our game to focus on one guy such as Morgan Escare. He’s quick, elusive and can pop up anywhere so we’ll have to make sure we have a solid defensive line when we kick downfield to him.”

Ryan Hall, who was also in the team of the season, has been Rhinos’ danger man this term, and is 6/1 to put the first four points on the board.

Dragons prop Elliot Whitehead, who is also in the team of the season, insists there is a positive mood in the camp going into the match: “We’ll take a lot of confidence out of beating Castleford and carry this over to Headingley for Saturday.

“They’re a quality side and have got some really experienced players in their squad. It’s a big game for both of us but I reckon we can get the job done.

“We’ll be keeping an eye on their back five to stop them going forward and Jamie Peacock just doesn’t know when to stop. It’s going to be a tough day at the office but we’re capable of handling this,” Whitehead continued, who is 7/4 to score anytime.