PERTH-bound halfback Toby Sexton was among the main destroyers and Catalans snatched two Super League competition points to take back across the channel.
Adrian Lam’s Leopards – flogged by neighbours Wigan the previous week – were hoping for absolution but were missing a host of stars at Leigh Sports Village.
Centre Tesi Niu opened the tryscoring in the eighth minute and when Catalans looked like they were safe with 15 minutes to go, he followed up with a brilliant individual touchdown from 80 metres out.
In between, touchdowns to Oli Wilson (19th minute), Charlie Staines (46) and Lewis Dodd (54) saw Catalans take control – with the Leopards posting one during that period, to Innes Senior.
Sexton, who will join the Bears next year, kicked five goals from as many attempts and was involved in everything in attack.
The Dragons were hit with their own injury blow when experienced winger Tommy Makinson pulled out in the warm-up.
CATALANS 22Â (Wilson Staines Dodd tries Sexton 5 goals) bt LEIGH 16 (Niu 2 Senior tries Cook 2 goals) at Leigh Sports Village. Referee: Griffiths.