Yesterday it was confirmed that Josh Drinkwater would be leaving Catalans Dragons to join the Warrington Wolves in 2023 and become George Williams’ ideal halfback partner as Daryl Powell looks to lead the club back to the play-offs after an 11th place finish in 2022.
It was an expected move and had long been rumoured. However, it leaves the Dragons with more recruitment to get through as they no longer just need a pair of new centres with Dean Whare and Samisoni Langi moving on but they also need a new halfback now as well.
They do have three quota spots open which is crucial.
A big decision from the Dragons to allow him to leave, what did the French media make of the call.
Well it seems they were left disappointed by the fact the club backflipped on what they had previously said.
Treize Mondial reported:
“Despite the fact Alex Chan had confirmed on Tuesday to the English press that Josh Drinkwater would be at the Catalans Dragons in 2023, the Australian half-back has committed today with the Warrington Wolves.
“After Sam Kasiano and Gil Dudson, Warrington Wolves have signed a third player from the Catalans Dragons. Josh Drinkwater has signed for two seasons with the English team until the end of 2024.”
L’Independent said: “Scrum-half Josh Drinkwater, under contract with the Dragons until November 30, 2023 – but who has been warned the club wants him to leave – reached an agreement last Thursday with Warrington. Good news for the Dracs compared to the salary cap.”