Catalans Dragons’ recruitment activity is hotting up. Les Dracs face another off-season of transition, with several high profile players out of contract. Now, according to reports in France, work on securing replacements is kicking into gear ahead of the next Super League season. They have identified a key Leeds Rhinos man as their primary target.
Wakefield Trinity announced the capture of Mike McMeeken on Friday. McMeeken’s move from Perpignan to West Yorkshire is finally official, after several weeks of rumours. Tom Johnstone looks set to follow McMeeken to Wakefield for 2025. Catalans’ other winger, Tom Davies, also looks set to depart, with reports linking him to Hull KR.
This opens up a vacancy on the wing, and the Dragons have been linked with three high-profile names including Leeds Rhinos’ longest-serving player.
Catalans Dragons interested in Leeds Rhinos star
Credit: Imago Images
Ash Handley has been an integral part of Leeds’ side since bursting onto the scene in the treble winning 2015 season. He has scored 106 tries in 172 appearances for the Rhinos. This includes two try of the season contenders in the first two rounds of the 2024 Super League season.
Now, according to a report in L’Indepandant, Catalans Dragons have identified Handley as their top target for the close season. Handley is under contract at Leeds until 2026. He has spent his entire career at Headingley and is vice-captain to Cameron Smith.
Catalans also chasing NRL targets
Credit: SWpix
If Handley is unwilling to leave Leeds Rhinos then the French side have also identified two NRL stars as potential options.
Daniel Tupou is the Sydney Roosters’ all time leading try scorer, and the first player to score 150 tries for the club. However, his contract expires at the end of the season. The arrival of Dom Young at the Roosters has increased competition for places. Tupou’s contract expires at the end of the season. L’Indepandant reports that he is open to a move to the south of France.
The other name on the Dragons’ shortlist is New Zealand international, Dallin Watene Zelezniak. The 28 year old currently plays for the NZ Warriors. He has also had spells with the Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs. He was part of the Dally M team of the season last year. Watene Zelezniak scored 27 tries in 24 regular season games for the Warriors.
