Catalans Dragons were unable to get even close to replicating their success of 2023 last year, but look to be on track for vast improvements in 2025.
They’ve made some impressive signings, to say the least – and we’ve analysed their recruitment ahead of 2025.
Tevita Pangai Jr
It’s not often that a former professional boxer makes their way to Super League, but that is exactly what’s happened here, with the Dragons seemingly going all out to make their pack the biggest in the league.
The one-time State of Origin man has over 100 NRL appearances under his belt and looks set to slot straight into their front row in 2025 in an impressive coup.
Elliott Whitehead
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Whitehead is one of the most dominant forwards of the past decade, and he will be a brilliant addition to the club’s second-row in 2025 after signing a deal following his Canberra Raiders exit.
Returning to the last side he played for before his nine seasons in Australia, he’ll have a huge impact on the players around him as they aim for silverware.
Ben Lam
Where did this come from?
The Dragons have signed a vast range of players, and the cross-coder is set to play pro rugby league for the very first time after a sparkling career in union.
Playing in Super Rugby and the Top 14, two of the premier domestic divisions in union, he also earned caps for Samoa and the New Zealand Sevens team.
A player that has broken 11 seconds to run 100 metres, he’s a relative unknown in rugby league and will be up against some serious talent if he’s to earn a starting spot on the wing.
Nick Cotric
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One of those wingers is Nick Cotric, who is no stranger to rugby league after 149 NRL appearances, in which he scored 63 tries.
Just 25, the former Australia international has plenty of room to grow and will be in a hell of an environment to develop in Perpignan.
Luke Keary
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Arguably the biggest pick-up, Keary looks to be some signing.
Named in the extended NSW Blues squad in 2024, he is another former Australia international, and won the Clive Churchill medal in the Sydney Roosters’ 2018 NRL Grand Final victory, before returning in 2019 to win what was his third Premiership.
Although his very best form was some years ago, he’s still a player with superstar qualities and could be the man to get the Dragons to the very top end of Super League.
Tommy Makinson
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They’ve also secured some top Super League talent, and there aren’t many bigger names in the division than Tommy Makinson.
Losing both Tom Davies and Tom Johnstone probably seems very bearable for Dragons fans now, as they’ve added 191 Super League tries to their roster with this signing.
The seventh-highest try scorer in Super League history should be a nailed-on starter in 2025.
Oli Partington
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Mike McMeeken – one of the England setup’s veterans, left, but his experience will be replaced elsewhere in the pack, as Partington joins as one of the most established loose-forwards out there despite being just 26.
He’s a huge loss for Salford Red Devils, but is the perfect man to take the position of 13, and may move Ben GarcÃa into the 11 or 12 spot.
Sam Tomkins
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Not necessarily a brand-new signing, but he had to be mentioned, as his signing for Catalans Dragons in 2025 was very unexpected – especially after ‘retiring’ in 2023.
He may have plenty of injury problems, but his desire and quality can never be questioned. He can be a good player to push Arthur Mourgue, and will also be a good voice to have in the dressing room whether or not he plays – as he’s a certain legend of the game.
