Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants Prediction: Can Tommy spark a French field day?

Two teams needing much-improved seasons open their 2026 campaigns at the Stade Gilbert Brutus as Catalans Dragons continue their rebuild with a clean slate when they welcome Huddersfield Giants (19:00 local, 18:00 GMT, Sky Sports+)

Many believe this could be a tough year for the Giants so an early trip to the south of France could well tell us a lot about both sides' aspirations this year. Here are my Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants predictions.

Team News

Huddersfield were dogged by injuries last season and are starting 2026 in similar fashion. Niall Evalds and Adam Clune barely featured last year and have picked up fresh problems that will delay their starts to the new campaign.

Rising star George Flanagan also left the field in the Challenge Cup win over Hunslet but he is predicted to be okay to start.

The other doubt from the cup game - Sam Halsall - has also received positive news this week and should be available.

On paper Huddersfield have a decent squad, with Adam Swift and Jacob Gagai ready to capitalise on the playmaking of Tui Lolohea - on his 100th club appearance - and Flanagan.

The Dragons will look like a different side this year under Joel Tomkins, but have confirmed one sizeable setback before the big kick-off.

New signing Manase Kaho left the field in the pre-season game against Toulouse, and the club has this week confirmed an ACL injury that rules him out for the entire season.

Josh Allen returns to the squad after missing out last week, with Lewis Dodd looking to make his mark in the halves after the former St Helens youngster's return from a difficult spell in Australia's NRL.

Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants Odds

The Dragons are big favourites for the first two points of the season, with Betfred having them at 1/4 for the victory (80% implied probability). Huddersfield can be backed at 3/1, while the draw is a 22/1 shot.

The Giants are handed a 10.5-point start in the regular two-way handicap, and are a 4/5 chance against that backdrop. Catalans are 20/21 to overcome the near-two-score disadvantage.

Handicap 3-way Alt 2: Catalans -14 @ 7/5

Catalans were a real disappointment last year as long-serving head coach Steve McNamara left his role, and although Tomkins remains inexperienced I am expecting an improved campaign from the French side.

Huddersfield will - I fear - have another tough few months ahead, but this could still be an interesting fixture given you would probably describe both teams as unknown quantities ahead of round one. Certainly nobody is talking about either side in terms of honours, but who can find the biggest improvement from last term?

I have this down as a home win, with the Dragons winning the corresponding fixture 32-0 last June and being traditionally tough to beat on home soil.

Catalans struggled last year but finished with a flourish with three wins in a row, and the perfect tonic would be a bright start here.

Given Huddersfield's struggles on the road - at last count they had won three Super League away games in 20, I am going for Catalans to start strongly and stay clear throughout.

Tommy Makinson Anytime Tryscorer @ 11/10

The Dragons' main strike threats will be out wide in veteran winger Tommy Makinson and Aussie Nick Cotric, and the former is available at 11/10.

One player I am looking forward to seeing step up to Super League is Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e. The livewire full-back didn't get much of a chance at Hull KR and starred for the past two seasons on loan at Oldham. So this is a huge move for him and I'm not yet sure where he will fit into the squad, but he is lightning to watch - and available at 7/4 if you fancy an outside punt.

But given I spent most of last season backing Makinson with mixed results, I am going to look at the former Saints flyer to get off on the right foot in 2026.

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