The Qualifiers Preview: Catalans v London

Catalans will be hoping to avoid an upset when they open their Qualifiers campaign against Championship side London Broncos on Saturday.

The Broncos have been quietly going about their business under the stewardship of Andrew Henderson, and finished runners-up behind Hull KR.

In their ranks is France international and former Dragons half-back William Barthau, who will be a crucial part of the London effort.

Recently appointed Catalans coach Steve McNamara has just one win to his name to date, a narrow home victory over Leigh, but he has welcomed back half-back Luke Walsh in to his 19-man squad.

Also back are Remi Casty, Iain Thornley and Brayden Wiliame.

However, Catalans’ preparations have been hit by some turmoil – with the news that Tony Gigot, who previously had a stint at the Broncos, has been handed a two-year ban for the same incident involving an anti-doping official that saw him sit out three months at the start of the year.

Squads:

Catalans: Gigot, Inu, Wiliame, Walsh, Myler, Moa, Aiton, Casty, Anderson, Horo, Bird, Bousquet, Garcia, Baitieri, Thornley, Albert, Margalet, Navarrete, Tierney

London: Kear, Williams, Hellewell, Sammut, Barthau, Spencer, Ioane, Pitts, Ackers, Battye, Roqica, Evans, Pewhairangi, Channing, Davis, Gee, Walker, Boudebza, Wilde

Prediction:

Catalans have had an indifferent season and the Gigot distraction is far from ideal – London have a real chance here. Catalans by 7.