Crusaders v Dragons: Teams

Crusaders coach Iestyn Harris is able to name an unchanged 19-man squad for the visit of the French side.

Gareth Thomas is available again after missing last week's defeat at Hull KR while utility Peter Lupton is free to play after avoiding a suspension after being found guilty of a high tackle on Jake Webster.

Centre Vince Mellars believes that 40-22 loss last time out could kick-start the season after failing to gain a point since the opening day of the season.

"We need to fire this week, no matter what is thrown at us," he said. "It has been a tough week for us on the training paddock, but we just need to get on with business and start playing smart rugby.

"I'm a big believer in looking forward, but when you see how good we were last year, and know what we are capable of, this season seems more frustrating," he said.

"It's frustrating because we always seem to end our games well. It is about correcting those errors and making sure we start the game as we mean to go on. We can't afford to keep playing catch up."

However, the Dragons have also taken just two points from their five matches to date and Mellars is hoping to capitalise on their lack of confidence.

"We just have to be patient with these things," he added. "I know I'm going to be putting everything and the kitchen sink in against Catalan on Friday. I'm not going to be waiting for something to happen, I'm just going to get out there and rip in.

"Catalan have been struggling, but as we've learnt in Super League this season, you can't afford to take any team lightly. We just need to make sure we are well prepared and if we are we will do the business. I'm hoping that we will turn things around on Friday."

Dragons are without Tongan forward Lopini Paea, who has an ankle injury, although second rower Cyrille Gossard is back after a three-match absence.

Utility Michael Simon is added to the team that lost to Castleford, while Thomas Bosc and Vincent Duport remain on the sidelines.

Crusaders 19-man squad: Schifcofske, Thomas, Martin, Mellars, Reardon, Witt, Sammut, O'Hara, Withers, Bryant, Chan, Flower, Dudson, White, Moore, L. Williams, Lupton, Murphy, R. Williams.

Catalan Dragons 19-man squad: Greenshields, Blanch, Farrar, Sa, Stacul, Dureau, Ferriol, Henderson, Casty, Menzies, Raguin, Mounis, Gigot, Baile, Gossard, Millard, Simon, Fakir, Baitieri.