Leeds pick Catalans in historic ClubCall
Leeds have chosen to play the Catalans Dragons after the first ever Super League 'ClubCall'
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Catalans Dragons are just 80 minutes from making history after they beat Huddersfield 16-6 in the preliminary semi-final at the Galpharm Stadium. |  |
Sunday, 27, Sep 2009 04:42
By Alistair Potter.
Leeds Rhinos have selected the Catalans Dragons as their opponents for the Super League playoff semi-final at Headingley Carnegie this Friday.
In what has been billed as a world first, the top-ranked side in the competition – League Leader's Shield winners Leeds - were given the chance to select the side they wanted to play for a place in the Grand Final on October 10th.
The decision to play Catalans means Wigan Warriors, who were the Rhinos' other option when the ClubCall announcement was made at lunchtime on Sunday, will play St Helens for a place at Old Trafford.
Gary Hetherington drew raucous laughter from the gathered fans and press at RFL headquarters as he delayed the announcement with a series of carefully chosen phrases that gave little away.
However, he then revealed: "It's been an incredibly tough decision but I am able to confirm that Leeds Rhinos opponents on Friday night at Headingley Carnegie will be the Catalans Dragons."
Speaking after Leeds' decision was revealed, Catalans Dragons chief executive Christoph Levy said it "wasn't really a surprise... to be picked".
"We finished eighth, they finished first, they are the champions – it was logical," said Levy, whose side have beaten St Helens, Wakefield and Huddersfield on the road to qualify for and then progress in the playoff competition.
"You can imagine we would be tired after three away games in three weeks, all those trips away from Perpignan were really hard games.
"But being picked is an excellent motivation and it will certainly give our players incentive to win."
Leeds take on Catalans in the Friday night fixture before Saturday's game between Wigan and St Helens will decide the second side to compete in the Grand Final.
If both home sides progress, as expected, then it will be the third straight Super League final between Leeds and Saints, with Leeds winning the last two in a row.