York Knights v Catalans Dragons: Match Preview

1 day ago
2 min read

York Knights face Catalans Dragons in their latest game in Betfred Super League on Saturday 23rd May at the LNER Community Stadium (8pm)!

It’s part of a double header, with York Valkyrie facing St.Helens at 5pm.

Mark Applegarth’s side are looking to pick up their fourth win of the season, following victories over Hull KR, Hull FC and Toulouse. They’re also looking to bounce back from last weekend’s narrow defeat at home to Castleford Tigers.

They’ll come up against a Dragons side that has lost the last three league games, against Leeds Rhinos (46-4), Leigh Leopards (33-18) and Wakefield Trinity (58-10).

It’s been a difficult year so far for the French side, who have won five of their matches and have also had a change of coach. Joel Tomkins stood down from the position for personal reasons, leaving Ryan Sheridan in temporary charge. This week, former Hull FC coach, John Cartwright was appointed until the end of the season and he’ll be in position for the first time on Saturday.

They boast a side with plenty of French international experience. There’s also Tommy Makinson and Kruise Leeming are part of the squad along with Lewis Dodd, who has returned to Super League after a spell in Australia.

While the two clubs have never met in the league, there’s only been two previous meetings before, and both in the fifth round of the Challenge Cup.

The first time was in 2013, when York, coached by Gary Thornton, lost 92-8 in France. Kriss Brining scored the try, and Tom Carr converted for the Knights. Playing for Catalans that day was the current Valkyrie coach, Leon Pryce.

The last time they met was at Bootham Crescent in 2018, when York pushed the Dragons before going down 34-22. Catalans went on to win the Challenge Cup at Wembley. Joe Porter scored twice, with further tries from Joe Batchelor and Kieron Moss, while Connor Robinson added three goals.

This will be the Dragons’ first visit to the LNER Community Stadium.

Join us at the LNER Community Stadium as York Knights look to slay the Dragons in Betfred Super League!

They take on Catalans Dragons on Saturday 23rd May (8pm) in a double header with York Valkyrie, who face St.Helens in the Betfred Women's Super League (5pm)!

You can purchase your match tickets online HERE or over the phone from the York Stadium ticket office on 01904 950950 (option 1).

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