Rhinos boosted by Ablett return

Leeds are hoping the return of unsung hero Carl Ablett can help them secure a first win in five matches when the Engage Super League champions take on Catalans Dragons in Perpignan on Monday night.

The 24-year-old is something of an unheralded member of the international-laden Rhinos squad but he has featured in each of their last three Grand Final triumphs and coach Brian McClennan admits the player has been sorely missed since sustaining an ankle injury in his side's opening home game in February.

"Carl is a very important player for us," said McClennan. "He offers us options because he can play at centre, as he did in the Grand Final for us in 2008, and he is a very good second row. He has worked extremely hard with our medical and conditioning staff to get back ahead of schedule and we are delighted to have him back."

Ablett has been one of nine regulars sidelined at various stages so far this season as injuries took their toll on the champions but he is back ahead of schedule after initially being ruled out for up to 10 weeks.

"The medical staff have been great and helped me all the way," he said.

"I have been working with Jason Davidson our conditioner for the last week to get me back up to speed and that has been tough.

"I can't wait to get back out there."

The Dragons are languishing in the bottom four after winning just two of their opening nine matches and were hammered 48-6 at Huddersfield on Friday.

But they are boosted by the return from injury of international forwards David Ferriol, Remi Casty and Cyril Gossard.