Kevin Brown says reported Super League transfer would be “a disaster”

Matt Whitely will be leaving the Catalans Dragons at the end of the season.

This was confirmed by coach Steve McNamara after the Dragons defeated Wigan Warriors at the Magic Weekend.

In the press conference after the game, McNamara was asked about Matt Whitley’s future as rumours circle and it was confirmed that he would be leaving the club at the end of the 2023 season to take on a new opportunity.

McNamara said he had “some big decisions to make” and had to think about his family.

It was reported this week by Rugby League Live that the second row is headed to St Helens.

The Saints currently have second-rowers Sione Mata’utia and Curtis Sironen out of contract.

Both have previously been tipped to make the move to NRL in the past.

Whitley would be a terrific addition to the squad then and add to the fact James Bell signed a two year extension earlier this week after his recent good form.

The club have already nailed down Joe Batchelor for the long term.

Whitley has represented England Knights in the past but despite being a terrific player for a top club like Catalans he has yet to crack England’s first team which is a bit of a surprise.

Whitley played for the Dragons in the 2021 Grand Final against St Helens.

Now Kevin Brown has claimed this move would be a disaster for Catalans.

“I don’t think that would be a bad signing at all, I think that would be a terrific signing for anyone but it’d be a disaster for Catalans,” he said on BBC Five Live.

“He’s been great wherever he’s played. He’s almost been like Polyfilla, whenever there’s been a gap in that side where a centre, a hooker or a front-rower is out then Matt Whitely puts his hand up.

“He plays exceptionally wherever he plays.”