Catalans Dragons have become one of the most consistent sides in Super League in recent seasons.
Having reached the Super League Grand Final in 2021 after winning the League Leaders’ Shield, expectation has grown for the French side to replicate that success in 2022.
Though they have been more inconsistent this season, the Dragons still sit in fourth in the Super League table, giving them a home tie in the first round of the play-offs whilst there is still hope that in a one-off play-off game that Steve McNamara’s side could cause some real damage.
However, planning for 2023 is well underway with Catalans already announcing the capture of Sydney Roosters prop Siosiua Taukeiaho for next season, but that does mean that the Dragons will be primed for a major exit.
With the quota for the French club now numbering six for 2023 with Dylan Napa, Taukeiaho, Tyrone May, Josh Drinkwater, Mitchell Pearce and Manu Mau, it means that there will be a major exit at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
That’s because there are currently two Catalans overseas stars that don’t have a contract for 2023, and, with six quota spots already taken up it means that either Samisoni Langi or Dean Whare will be leaving – or even both.
Last season, Langi was linked with a move to Wakefield Trinity with a deal all ready to be announced until he reneged on that contract to sign an extension with the Dragons whilst Whare has been hampered by injury in his time at the French club.
It remains to be seen which star will leave, but it will leave a massive gap for Steve McNamara’s side and one that will definitely need plugging going forward into 2023.
Of course, with the Dragons’ success in more recent seasons with NRL stars, it wouldn’t be surprising to see McNamara and owner Bernard Guasch improve their squad even further.
