As the post-season play-offs approach rapidly, Leeds Rhinos face a tough test on Thursday night as they host a Catalans Dragons side who have already switched their focus to 2026.

Joel Tomkins' side arrive at AMT Headingley as the only club to remain unbeaten by Leeds in 2025, and they hope to keep that record with two games to go.

Here's more on our opposition, Catalans Dragons:

2025: Missed out on play-offs, preparations begin for '26

After missing out on the Super League Play-Offs for a second consecutive season, Catalans Dragons have begun work on their 2026 campaign following a season to forget for the French side.

From having one of the strongest squads on paper at the start of the campaign, thanks to experienced NRL recruits and Super League players with renowned pedigrees, the Dragons couldn’t recover their season after losing their first three matches against HullFC, Warrington and Leigh.

Returning to the Stade Gilbert Brutus in round four, an attritional clash with the Rhinos saw Reimis Smith score twice in an 11-0 win that kick-started a run of seven victories in eight games to start an early-season revival, but three consecutive losses to Leigh, St Helens and Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi finalsproved to be the final straw as Steve McNamara vacated his positionas head coachafter six years at the club. Joel Tomkins stepped up to guide the team on an interim basis for the remainder of this season, but McNamara’s departure saw the club fall to four more losses at the hands of Wigan, Hull FC, Hull KR and Leigh to all but end their season as hopes of a top six spot faded.

Outside back Smith has led the try scoring with nine over the course of the season, whilst rising talented full back Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet has made the most of his opportunities to score 94 points in 18 games for the Dragons, and has two tries in his last three outings.

Two of those games saw Catalans beat Castleford convincingly in front of a home crowd, and Salford by a tighter one-point margin-courtesy of UgoTison’s boot, to move onto 16 points in the league table. Whilst they look to cap off 2025 with wins on the road, Hull FC are up next on Thursday. Recruitment for 2026 has already brought four new players into the club. Former Penrith and Wests Tigers wingerCharlie Staines and Canterbury half-back Toby Sexton are the headline arrivals as Luke Keary and several outside backs are amongst 13 departing names.

Other arrivals include forwards Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Zac Lipowicz and Josh Allen to provide power to the pack, whilst hooker Harvey Wilson makes the switch from Salford, and Tigers centre Solomona Faataape also arrives in Perpignan as the club prepares for a play-off push next year.

Round 25 Review

Take a look at the highlights:

Key Names

Reimis Smith - In his farewell season after a season and a half with the Dragons, Reimis Smith proved the difference between Leeds and Catalans earlier in the season. The centre scored twice in the win at the Stade Gilbert Brutus to get Catalans off the mark, and has recorded nine tries in all competitions to lead the scoring effort. He arrived as a mid-season recruit for Steve McNamara during the 2024 season, and has been one of the side's leading appearance makers in 2025.

Luke Keary - Back in the extended 21-man squad for this week, half-back Luke Keary is another of the departing names as the half-back cuts short his stay in Perpignan. On the back of James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce proving to be important spine signings with NRL Premiership-winning experience, Keary has fallen short of his Sydney Roosters teammates as he hasn't been able to push the Dragons in the direction of the Playoffs. Nevertheless, he has scored six tries and kicked two drop goals in 25 games.

Oli Partington - After being toppled as Super League's leading tackler by Leeds' Jarrod O'Connor last week, Oli Partington has been one of Catalans' better players across a tough season. He is pivotal for the side both with his ball carries and defensive efforts, which earned the loose forward credit during his time at previous clubs Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils.

Last time out

Tickets and more information

Match tickets start at £25 for adults, £20 for concessions, and £13 for juniors and are available online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or by calling the ticket office on 0371 423 1315. 

Tickets are also available to purchase from the Leeds Rhinos Ticket Office at AMT Headingley Stadium, but check opening times before travelling.