Engage Super League
Catalans Dragons vs Celtic Crusaders
Match schedule
Date: Saturday, 01 August 2009
Kick-off: 2000 BST
Competition : Engage Super League
Venue: Stade Gilbert Brutus
Live / Repeat: Live
Catalans Dragons vs Celtic Crusaders
Match schedule
Date: Saturday, 01 August 2009
Kick-off: 2000 BST
Competition : Engage Super League
Venue: Stade Gilbert Brutus
Live / Repeat: Live
Kane Bentley and Sebastien Martins are back for a near full-strength Catalans.
Celtic Crusaders have severe injury problems, Aled James, Tony Duggan and Darren Mapp long-term casualties.
Paul Ballard (ankle), Mark Dalle Cort (back), Josh Hannay (shoulder), Damien Quinn (foot and groin) and Jace Van Dijk (ankle) join the injury list.
But Jason Chan and Marshall Chalk are back after missing last week's defeat at home to Bradford Bulls with back and knee injuries respectively.
Celtic Crusaders coach John Dixon:
"There is a severe injury crisis at our club right now and as we have a small squad, we have to manage the injury toll as best we can.
"We felt that taking these five [injured] players to France when they are all attempting to recover from injuries would be counterproductive.
"We have a 15-day break between matches due to the Challenge Cup semi-finals being on 8 August so we felt that this extra time out would help them.
"It also gives us a chance to name Lloyd White in the squad for only his second appearance.
"He impressed everyone when he made his debut at St Helens a few weeks ago and I'm pleased that he's being given a chance to shine in Perpignan.
"Geraint Davies will also get a chance to appear and I'm pleased to say that Ashley Bateman, who has done so well in our reserves over the last two years, has been named in the 19-man squad for the first time."
Catalans Dragons (from): Baile, Bell, Bentley, Bird, Bosc, Carlaw, Casty, Croker, Elima, Fakir, Guisset, Gossard, Greenshields, Martins, McGuire, Mogg, Mounis, Pelo, Ryles.
Celtic Crusaders (from): Blackwood, Bryant, Budworth, Chalk, Lennon, Chan, Davies, Dyer, Flower, Bateman, J. James, Lupton, Smith, O'Hara, Tyrer, White, Tangata-Toa, Beasley, Withers.
