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Catalans Dragons hand deal to one of brightest talents in Super League as Steve McNamara strengthens squad

Catalans Dragons have revealed a multi-year deal for one of the brightest talents in Super League

France international halfback Cesar Rouge has put pen to paper on a contract extension that will secure his future at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium until the end of the 2024 season.

Rougé joined the Dragons in 2020 at 17 years-old from Limoux after making his first appearances in the French Elite Championship with his former club.

After a great season in 2021 with Catalans Dragons reserve team, he joined the professional squad before making his first appearance for the Dragons last season at St Helens. He has played two Super League games so far this season and has made four appearances since his debut for the club.

A French international, he celebrated his first cap with the national team last June against Wales.

Rouge was over the moon to sign a new deal: “I am very happy to extend my contract with the Dragons, the trust shown by the club has made the relationship easy. I feel good in the squad and I am training hard day after day.

“I will do everything to reach the highest level and to win my spot on the pitch.

Steve McNamara, the Catalans head coach, said: “Cesar is a great young man with a very good attitude and work ethic. He is progressing in all areas and we are predicting a very bright future for him.”

Rouge will be out for a number of weeks following a serious injury suffered in the Dragons’ win over Wakefield Trinity.

McNamara waxed lyrical about the win, calling it ‘one of the best’ ever for Catalans since their conception and hailed Fouad Yaha and Rouge for playing on with family bereavements.

“I think that’s one of the best wins in the history of the Catalans Dragons,” McNamara said.

“We don’t shout too much about it but there were 13 starting players missing.

“We actually only finalised the 17 yesterday – Dean Whare was 50/50 and we decided not to play him, so the start of the game was important to us.

“Fouad’s (Yaha) grandma died during the week – who had raised him – and the same with Cesar Rouge whose grandad passed away during the week.

“For a team to come together like that and play like we did with the personnel missing was huge.”

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