Catalans Dragons backflip on letting youngster leave

Catalans Dragons have let go of a number of players going into the 2023 season including many of their academy products such as Corentin Le Cam and Mathieu Cozza.

Amongst those was winger Romain Franco who has made a number of strong appearances for the Dragons over the course of the last two years.

However, he will not be leaving the Dragons as initially thought.

This is because he has re-joined the club as a member of their reserves team who play in the Elite One Championship against the likes of Corey Norman, James Segeyaro and James Maloney at Lezignan and Morgan Escare at Carcassonne.

In a statement released by the Dragons, they confirmed that Franco would be a part of the club moving forward: “Catalans Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Romain Franco who is joining the club reserve team.

“Romain Franco, 24, is a product of the club development system. He made his Super League debut in 2021 and made 7 appearances for the Dragons.

“The winger or fullback, who had not been offered a new contract with the Dragons at the end of last season, is staying at the club.”

The Dragons are still chasing a centre or two for the 2023 season which could see Brayden Wiliame return to the club with the centre expected to return to Super League.

Meanwhile, they may also need a new halfback after telling Josh Drinkwater he can leave the club.