Round three of the Betfred Super League pits the Rhinos against Catalans Dragons this Saturday afternoon, kick off 3pm, as Leeds look to get back to winning ways and the Dragons aim to keep up their winning start to 2024.

As matchday approaches, find out more about Steve McNamara's Catalans side here:

Overview

Name: Catalans Dragons

Founded: 2000

Seasons in Super League: 19 (Since 2006)

Head Coach: Steve McNamara

Club Captain: Ben Garcia

Last three season finishes: 2023 = 2nd, 2022 = 4th, 2021 = 1st

Best SL finish: League Leaders' Shield holders in 2021

Grand Final appearances: Two (2021 and 2023 - both beaten finalists)

Most career appearances for Catalans: Remi Casty (337)

Most career tries for Catalans: Fouad Yaha (101)

Most career points for Catalans: Thomas Bosc (1382)

So far in 2024...

Steve McNamara's effect on Catalans since his arrival in 2017 has projected the club to new heights and more opportunities of silverware; a cabinet they aim to fill more in 2024.

Last year saw the club compete in its second Grand Final in three years but despite defeats to both St Helens and Wigan last year at Old Trafford, the Dragons will go again this time around with a host of new faces. The off-season brought in six new signings, mainly bolstering the half back options in light of Sam Tomkins and Mitchell Pearce's departure, and the forward pack. Among the new faces, Chris Satae, Tariq Sims and Theo Fages are some of the names that stand out from their time in Super League, the NRL or international scene. 

Starting the season at home, Catalans edged Warrington Wolves 16-10 thanks to four goals and a try from Arthur Mourgue, plus a try on debut from Jordan Abdull, before they ran six tries passed London Broncos in a 34-0 triumph last Friday. The win came in the wake of McNamara signing a new deal to stay at the club until 2026, and captain Ben Garcia swiftly followed afterwards as he agreed a deal of the same length.

This weekend, they arrive at AMT Headingley having suffered one of their seven losses to the Rhinos last season, before they host Hull FC and Castleford on home soil.

Squad

Ones to Watch

Tom Johnstone

Tom Johnstone enters his second season at the Dragons aiming to emulate his 2023 campaign.

The former Wakefield winger had a major first year under McNamara as he finished at the top of the try-scoring charts, earned a place in the Dream Team, featured in his first Grand Final and ended his year with three appearances and two tries for England against Tonga. Above all though, he was nominated for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel award for the first time in his career.

So far in 2024, although he is waiting for his first try, Johnstone leads the Dragons in carries and metres (he has 350 metres in 377 runs). 

Tariq Sims

One of the new faces that has made a quick start to life in Catalans colours is Tariq Sims, who has impressed only two games into his Dragons career.

Having been a wrecking ball in the NRL with the Dragons, Cowboys, Knights and most recently Melbourne Storm, Sims followed his brothers Ashton and Korbin in moving to Super League this season and has already got to work with two tries in Dragons colours. The Fijian international is also third in the Dragons side for tackles made, so expect him to have a major presence on the AMT Headingley field this weekend.

Arthur Mourgue

In the wake of Sam Tomkins' retirement, Arthur Mourgue takes the full-back mantle in 2024 as one of the rising stars in the Dragons camp.

2024 is his sixth season with Catalans and the French international looks to be flourishing alongside new signings Jayden Nikorima, Theo Fages and Jordan Abdull. He leads the league in points with the most goals after two rounds and a try in the opening game of the season, plus he has the third most tackle breaks behind Saints Matt Whitley and Hull KR's Ryan Hall. Coupled with his pace and quick footwork, he is one player who can cause havoc for Super League defences.

Fixtures

Round Three - Vs Leeds Rhinos (AMT Headingley, KO 3pm)

Round Four - Vs Hull FC (Stade Gilbert Brutus, KO 5.30pm)

Round Five - Vs Castleford Tigers (Stade Gilbert Brutus, KO 5.30pm)

Round Six - Vs Warrington Wolves (Halliwell Jones Stadium, KO 3pm)

Round Seven - Vs St Helens (Stade Gilbert Brutus, KO 8.15pm)

Stats Performers

Tries: Theo Fages, Tariq Sims (2 tries)

Goals: Arthur Mourgue (9 goals)

Try Assists: Jordan Abdull (2 try assists)

Carries: Tom Johnstone (37 carries)

Metres: Chris Satae (297 metres)

Dummy Half Runs: Alrix Da Costa, Jayden Nikorima (6 dummy half runs)

Offloads: Julian Bousquet (3 offloads)

Last Super League match

Buy tickets now and save £3!

The best way to see the Rhinos in action at AMT Headingley in 2024 is to get a match ticket or Rhinos membership!

Ticket prices start at £25 for adults, £20 for concessions and £13 for juniors, with prices rising by £3 on matchdays.

To buy tickets go to tickets.therhinos.co.uk or call the ticket office on 0371 423 1315. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-4pm (excluding Bank Holidays). Tickets also available to purchase from Leeds Rhinos Club Shop at AMT Headingley Stadium (CLICK HERE to check opening hours before travelling).