Catalans Dragons president Bernard Guasch confirmed today that Josh Drinkwater and Dylan Napa have been told to look for other clubs.
They are part of a big overhaul in Perpignan with a further ten players already going out of the exit door and only three confirmed signings made for 2023 (Tom Johnstone, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Manu Ma’u).
That leaves space for the Dragons to add to their squad for next season and Guasch revealed that they may look to the players who thrive at the Rugby League World Cup as an option.
“The situation is difficult,” Guasch told L’independant. “I have always said that we will be attentive if opportunities arise during the World Cup, or if players reveal themselves.
“The trainer and the manager are studying the leads, but we must not panic.
“Financially, the situation is clean, but that’s no reason to do anything. Yes there were departures, it’s the end of the cycle, the coach has made his decision and I’m behind him.”
Having missed out on the likes of Wests Tigers centre Tommy Talau and Warrington prop Matt Davis, who opted to join Leigh Leopards, Catalans are certainly one of the clubs with the bulk of their business for 2023 still to do.
Head coach Steve McNamara is currently in England for the World Cup and was part of the BBC’s punditry team for England’s match against France at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday.
Despite this, Guasch elaborated on his previous points and confirmed that signings are on the agenda as he continues to communicate with the coaching staff about new players.
“Yes, that’s the priority, but we mustn’t be mistaken and every day we receive proposals that Alex Chan and Steve McNamara are studying,” Guasch added.
