Khattabi named in Dragons squad

Khattabi named in Dragons squad

Younes Khattabi has been named by Head Coach Mick Potter in the Catalans Dragons 18-man squad for this Sunday?s match against Huddersfield.

The 21-year-old outside back, who signed a two-year contract with sister club Union Treiziste Catalan (UTC) on Wednesday after coming to the club on a three-month trial in April this year, hasn?t had to wait long for his first Super League opportunity.

Khattabi said: ?It feels really good. To play Super League would be a whole new level for me. I have put in a lot of hard work over the last couple of months since I arrived and physically I have made a lot of progress working with Matt Adamson.

?If I am given the opportunity to play I will do my best not to let the coaching staff down.?

Meanwhile, former Australia Test centre Michael De Vere is set to play his 200th match.

It will be De Vere?s 30th game for the Giants, to go with the 170 appearances he made for Brisbane Broncos, and he admits he is enjoying himself again after major injury problems.

?Walking out for my 200th game will be special,? said the 29-year-old ace marksman.

?And I?m delighted that?s going to be achieved when I?m enjoying my footy again. Obviously, last year was a bit of a nightmare, with the knee injury and then my broken hand.

?But I?ve now got all my confidence back and there?s nothing better than playing in a team that?s going well, so it?s good to be a Giant right now.?

Huddersfield Giants v Catalans Dragons, Galpharm Stadium, Sunday June 11 2006

Huddersfield 18-man squad: Reilly, De Vere, Donlan, Paul, Crabtree, Drew, Gannon, Nero, Snitch, Wild, Jones, Jackson, March, Smith, McDonald, Raleigh, Gardner, Mason.

Catalans Dragons 18-man squad: Beattie, Berthezene, Casty, Chan, Fakir, Fellous, Frayssinous, Guigue, Hindmarsh, Hughes, Jones, Khattabi, Mounis, Murphy, Rinaldi, Rudder, Verges, Wilson.

Referee: K Kirkpatrick