Catalans Dragons are targeting Leeds Rhinos as a club looking for redemption and a statement

Jordan Abdull admits the Catalans’ errant midfielders must redeem themselves against Leeds. The Dragons were early Super League leaders but are now desperate to avoid three defeats on the bounce.

Last year’s beaten Grand Finalists were thumped 30-2 at lowly Leigh and were similarly thumped 30-8 by champions Wigan last Thursday. Steve McNamara’s side scored just one try in 160 minutes, putting pressure on his creative centre.

England cap Abdull revealed: “Steve has been very honest with the group and the innings about where we are in attack. “It’s our job to improve, get more points on the board and as a group improve our mentality when things aren’t going too well.

“There were reasons, with many different combinations due to injuries and suspensions. But we have to adapt to situations much faster.”

The 28-year-old on-loan Hull KR star added: “He’s got half-backs to get points and create chances for those coming out wide. We must have missed our mission the last two weeks. “Me, Jayden (Nikorima) Morguey (Arthur Morgue) and Theo (Fages) spoke as a group.

“We want to improve and put our best foot forward for the team. “We’re disappointed with the way we played against Wigan and Leigh, but we don’t need much to get a chance to redeem ourselves against a Leeds side who did very well.”

The Rhinos are looking for a double against the French side after winning 18-10 at Headingley in March. They will go level with the Catalans in the table if they force a win at Perpignan on Saturday. But having lost just one of their opening seven matches, Abdull is confident the hosts can turn things around once they sort out their problems.

He said: “We’ve done a lot of things well all season. But in recent weeks we’ve made the most of our chances, which has let us down. We’ve probably become frustrated in games, which allows other teams to put points on us. The message is to support the process; sometimes you don’t need to score more than one try to win a game if the defense is good.”