Catalans Dragons v Leeds Rhinos – Keen ‘student’ Luke Gale determined for Rhinos to prove their quality

THERE has been wide debate as to whether Leeds Rhinos should even be in the Super League play-offs but captain Luke Gale says their fifth-placed finish was not a “true reflection”– now they intend to make the most of their chance.
PROVING A POINT: Leeds Rhinos Luke Gale. 
Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe
.PROVING A POINT: Leeds Rhinos Luke Gale. 
Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe
.
PROVING A POINT: Leeds Rhinos Luke Gale. Picture Jonathan Gawthorpe .

If they can beat Catalans Dragons in tonight’s sudden-death eliminator at Warrington the Challenge Cup victors will stand just 80 minutes from a Grand Final and an opportunity to complete a double.

Leeds had a win percentage of 58.82 but had played 17 regular rounds when the top-four was extended to the top-six last week.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Catalans, who they were chasing in fourth, sat on 61.54 per cent but had only managed 13 fixtures due to various Covid-related reasons.

Whichever way you look at it, it should be a finely balanced game tonight and deliver the sort of absorbing action the competition craved by ending the regular campaign early.

“I don’t think fifth is a true reflection for us, if I’m honest,” England scrum-half Gale told The Yorkshire Post.

“We’ve had to give three games away because of the Challenge Cup. Up until last week we didn’t know if we’d be in the four.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Catalans hadn’t played 15 games (the minimum needed to qualify for the top-four). It would have been hard to kick Catalans out but, then again, it would have been harsh if we were sat in fifth playing 17 games and not able to get in the top-four because Catalans hadn’t played.

DOUBLE OR QUITS: Leeds Rhinos Luke Gale celebrates winning the Challenge Cup. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comDOUBLE OR QUITS: Leeds Rhinos Luke Gale celebrates winning the Challenge Cup. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
DOUBLE OR QUITS: Leeds Rhinos Luke Gale celebrates winning the Challenge Cup. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

“I think Super League and the RFL have done the best they can and we’re in a top-six play-off format now which is massively exciting.

“You have to turn up and bring your best otherwise you’re out.

“We’ve been here before in terms of knockout football – we’ve got a Challenge Cup final win under our belt – and we’re looking to advance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Catalans are a good side. They have some real superstars in their team.

Leeds Rhinos' Luke Gale lifts the trophy after the Coral Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Picture: Mike Egerton/PALeeds Rhinos' Luke Gale lifts the trophy after the Coral Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA
Leeds Rhinos' Luke Gale lifts the trophy after the Coral Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

“We’ll have to play our best football but we know if we do that we’ll be there or thereabouts.”

Catalans won 34-6 when the sides met in September but that was one of the three games Gale referred to, a midweek contest when coach Richard Agar fielded a youthful side as the Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan Warriors loomed that weekend.

In contrast, both sides are at almost full-strength this evening.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

So we will see Gale versus State of Origin star James Maloney, world-class centres Konrad Hurrell and Israel Folau in direct opposition and, at full-back, Lance Todd Trophy winner Richie Myler in battle with England ace Sam Tomkins.

Typically in this Covid-blighted season, things have not gone without a hitch; Agar will have to watch from home due to track and trace reasons.

Still, that did mean Sean Long, the legendary former St Helens and Great Britain No7 who will be Leeds assistant next term, has come in early to start work.

He has taken training with James Webster and, for Gale, it has been a real treat.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’re used to this sort of thing in 2020; every week is different and his week we have no head coach!” he joked.

“But Webbo and Longy have been brilliant. As a kid, Longy was the stand-out scrum-half and he’s the sort of half I always wanted to model my game on.

“I never had the electric pace of Danny (McGuire) and Rob (Burrow) so I was more of a kicker/general anyway; Longy was the best in England at that and I think he was the best seven of the Super League era. “I’ve been trying to get little nuggets out of him already.

“You’re never too old to learn and it’s going to be an exciting partnership with Rich and Longy. He’ll help our halves massively but the full-backs and outside backs as well. I can’t wait for that. But first it’s Catalans.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you’ll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click HERE to subscribe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.