SL Preview: Catalans v Hull FC
Catalans have had a week of what, from the outside, looks a lot like upheaval, with three players leaving or announcing imminent departures this week.
The loss of hugely promising prop Gadwin Springer to Castleford resemblence negligence when it comes to developing and retaining French talent.
Unnamed French players were also quoted in a blog claiming that there were some serious issues behind the scenes at the Catalans.
They must face Hull missing Michael Oldfield, Vincent Duport, Willie Tonga and Todd Carney, who are injured, and Jeff Lima, who is suspended.
Hull also recently announced an imminent departure of their own, with Tom Lineham confirmed as a Warrington player next season.
The winger is omitted from Lee Radford‘s squad for ‘personal reasons’.
Prediction: A bad tempered performance from Catalans sees Hull run them close, but the Dragons win by two points in the end.
Catalans (19-man squad): Escare, Pomeroy, Dureau, Elima, Henderson, Casty, Taia, Anderson, Mounis, Bosc, Pelissier, Whitehead, Garcia, Cardace, Bousquet, Maria, Baitieri, Yaha, Gigot
Hull FC (19-man squad): Abdull, Ellis, Green, Houghton, Michaels, Minichiello, Paea, Palea’aesina, Pryce, Rankin, Sa, Shaul, Sneyd, Talanoa, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Whiting, Yeaman.
Stats:
Morgan Escare has scored a try in each of the Dragons’ last three meetings with Hull FC.
Richard Whiting needs one appearance to reach 250 for Hull FC. Whiting made his debut for the club as a substitute in a 21-14 Challenge Cup win at Leigh on 29 February, 2004.
Super League Summary:
Catalans Dragons won 6
Hull FC won 13 (includes win in 2013 play-offs)
Two draws
Catalans Dragons highest score: 44-14 (H, 2012) (also widest margin)
Hull FC highest score: 40-8 (H, 2011) (also widest margin)
Last 10 Meetings:
Hull FC 33, Catalans Dragons 22 (SLR6, 20/3/15)
Catalans Dragons 20, Hull FC 16 (SLR17, 21/6/14)
Hull FC 36, Catalans Dragons 34 (SLR1, 14/2/14)
Hull FC 14, Catalans Dragons 4 (SLEPO, 13/9/13)
Catalans Dragons 13, Hull FC 24 (CCQF, 13/7/13)
Catalans Dragons 30, Hull FC 4 (SLR18, 8/6/13)
Hull FC 28, Catalans Dragons 8 (SLR11, 7/4/13)
Hull FC 30, Catalans Dragons 10 (SLR24, 12/8/12)
Catalans Dragons 44, Hull FC 14 (SLR2, 14/7/12)
Hull FC 40, Catalans Dragons 8 (SLR24, 12/8/11)