Catalans Dragons vs Leeds Rhinos Prediction: Betfred price boost worth backing

Leeds Rhinos head to France looking to win for the third weekend on the spin and run into a Catalans side still bidding to fire up their season after three straight defeats. 

Steve McNamara found himself under pressure last season as the Dragons struggled, so he will absolutely not be wanting to open 2025 with a start like this. This could be a big early-season game at the Stade Gilbert Brutus and below you can find my Catalans Dragons vs Leeds Rhinos predictions. (Kick-off 17:30). 

Team news

The big team news for the hosts sees three key men back in the squad for a game that already feels must-win for the Dragons. Big prop Chris Satae returns, as does half-back Theo Fages, but the big news is the return of talisman Sam Tomkins after his untimely early-season injury.

The three players to drop out of the initial 21-man squad therefore are Bayley Sironen, Cesar Rouge and Jordan Dezaria.

Catalans vs Leeds Rhinos Odds

Leeds could also have three key men back. Full-back Lachie Miller hasn't played since the end of the 2024 season but is named in the squad after a calf injury, while stand-off Brodie Croft is back having been knocked out cold in a worrying collision at Salford.

Scrum-half Matt Frawley is named again despite the severe hand gash that he suffered at Salford which ruled him out of last week's win over Castleford.

Prop Tom Holroyd is banned for the next two games, with Jack Smith the other man to make way. 

Handicap 3-way: Alternative 3 Leeds Rhinos -6 @ 12/5

The Rhinos have responded well to their shock opening-round defeat to Wakefield with back-to-back wins over Salford and Castleford. They would normally travel to Perpignan with some degree of trepidation but given the way Catalans have started the season this looks like a good chance for Leeds.

Whether the returning Tomkins is fully fit will have a bearing on which way this might go, but you tend to feel that if Hull FC can go there and win then Leeds are more than capable too. 

The last couple of trips don't make great reading for Leeds fans. A 26-0 defeat last May was actually a big improvement on the 61-0 thumping the Rhinos suffered in 2023. 

Leeds did win both home games last year so they know how to beat the Dragons, if not how to deal with the unique Gilbert Brutus atmosphere. The key here therefore is the start. If Leeds can get on the front foot and silence the home crowd then the pressure will transmit to the players and Catalans may struggle again. If not, it will be a tough evening for Leeds. 

I'm going to take a punt on a rare away win for Brad Arthur's side in France. 

Rugby League Odds

Ryan Hall and Tommy Makinson to score a try anytime @ 4/1 Price Boost

Two of England's finest wingers on opposite sides for this one, so what chance Ryan Hall and Tommy Makinson both finding their way over?

Well a very appealing 4/1 if you take up Betfred's special Price Boost offer. And I will do thank you very much indeed. 

Makinson is not yet off the mark which is rare for him. Hall on the other hand is already doing what he has done all his long career, with tries in his last two Super League games.

Offers

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Rugby League Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.