Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Two teams fighting to make the Super League playoffs meet at Headingley on Friday as the Leeds Rhinos host Catalans Dragons.

Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons betting tips and predictions

Alternative winning margin - Leeds 1-10 @ 2/1

The Rhinos have a point to prove this week as they take on Steve McNamara's Catalans on home soil.

When they travelled to Perpignan in May, the Rhinos failed to trouble the scoresheet as they lost 26-0, meaning they have now failed to score a point in their last two trips to France.

However, Friday's game is at Headingley, and that certainly tips the scales back in Leeds' favour.

Consistency has been Leeds' issue since Brad Arthur took charge, with the Rhinos losing four of their last six.

While results have not gone their way, performances have improved on the whole, and they proved that by beating Wigan Warriors 30-4 earlier this month.

Leeds have lacked direction all season, but Arthur confirmed this week that he has signed a one-year deal to stay at the club next season.

That stability should give everyone a boost ahead of kick-off, and they face a Catalans side that have also struggled to string results together.

McNamara's side have lost three in five, and they have been poor in defence, and lost to London Broncos during that run, which suggests there are problems in the camp.

With Arthur committing his future to the club and Catalans only four points ahead, Leeds have a huge chance to make a statement in front of a fired-up crowd.

Under 36.5 points @ 10/11

While a narrow win for Leeds should be on the cards, a high-scoring game should not.

Leeds have only scored 30 or more points in three of their previous 10 games, while Catalans have not scored more than 24 points since May, while they last scored 30 points or more in April.

Both teams have plenty to improve on and work on if they are to have a deep run in the playoffs, so expect a battle at Headingley, which could be won by a single try.

Player of the match - Brodie Croft @ 7/2

Arthur has tried to work on his team's defence since his arrival from Australia, and while Leeds are still miles away from where he wants them to be, there have been signs of improvement.

Through the middle, prop Sam Lisone has given them a platform to build on, and he gives opposition defences something to think about everytime he carries the ball.

With Lisone leading the charge, Leeds' half-backs can prosper, and that should bring out the best in Brodie Croft.

Croft has led by example all season for Leeds, and his best display came in an emotional game in which the Rhinos remembered the life of Rob Burrow.

The Australian recently returned home on compassionate leave, and he usually steps up to the plate when the pressure is on.

Leeds may have to win their final five games to make the playoffs, and with Croft at the helm, they have a creative and brave half-back who should lead by example.

Leeds Rhinos v Catalans Dragons odds

Leeds Rhinos - 8/15
Catalans Dragons - 6/4

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.