Catalans Dragons vs Hull FC Predictions: Tomkins to score

The Dragons started the weekend as one of three teams level on points behind pace-setters Wigan, Warrington and Hull KR and this feels like a vital fixture in Perpignan.

Catalans Dragons vs Hull FC Odds

Team News

Catalans Dragons name a 20 rather than a 21-man squad but there is one obvious headline inclusion.

Having announced his retirement u-turn last week, Sam Tomkins is straight back in and is expected to play against the Black and Whites.

Interim boss Simon Grix makes one change to the Hull FC squad after last weekend’s barely believable victory over all-conquering Wigan.

Davy Litten suffered an MCL injury in the win over the Warriors and his place in the squad is taken by young back-row forward Zach Jebson. Litten will miss the rest of the season.

Carlos Tuimavave has been struggling with a tight hamstring and again missed out last week but could well be the man to return at centre.

Brad Fash is also included in the squad after missing last weekend with a neck injury, Jack Walker is included after excelling last week, and Logan Moy also makes the squad.

On-loan prop King Vuniyayawa is expected to make his second appearance for the Black and Whites.

Rugby League Odds

Handicap 3-way Catalans Dragons -16  @ 21/20

Well we did note last week that despite their awful 2024 Hull actually had a fairly good record against Wigan, winning their last two home games against the Warriors. But did we expect them to win? Absolutely not. That 24-22 victory was one of the shocks of the season and will give FC huge confidence heading to Perpignan.

This though is another incredibly tough fixture and I find it difficult to back the visitors at the Stade Gilbert Brutus. The Dragons have slipped down to 5^th in the Betfred Super League table and will see this home fixture against the team in 11^th place as a must-win.

And I think this is one that Catalans will win, regardless of any Hull resurgence. The Tomkins return gives the game a bit of extra spice of course, and I think a home win by three scores looks the most likely outcome in the stifling heat.

Sam Tomkins Anytime Tryscorer @ 1/1

This has to be the bet doesn’t it?

The Dragons favourite adopted son is back in the squad, and ready to play a big part in their playoff push. The former England captain’s career ended with a heart-breaking Grand Final defeat to his old club Wigan at Old Trafford last October, but after nine months out of the game the veteran feels that his knee is suitably mended to make a top-flight comeback.

Whether Tomkins starts or is used off the bench in the variety of positions that he can play in, I feel that a man who has had such a good script writer throughout his career will probably make an impression again.

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