NRL outside back joins Super League club “in principle”
MACKAY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Matt Ikuvalu of the Roosters looks on during the NRL Semi-Final match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Sydney Roosters at BB Print Stadium on September 17, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
At this time in the season we start to see mid-season signings.
In 2022 there were some huge transfers mid-season such as Zak Hardaker’s move to Leeds Rhinos, Matt Dufty’s Warrington Wolves arrival and Toulouse Olympique bringing in Corey Norman and Daniel Alvaro.
But which clubs are in the market right now for mid-season signings?
Well one is the Catalans Dragons.
The French club started the season still wanting a prop and a centre after the departures of Dylan Napa, Dean Whare and Samisoni Langi. They have two quota spots open as consequence and it always seemed like if players in the pack and the centres become available they would bring them in but it is fair to say that they don’t appear as if they need it at the moment.
Nonetheless, reports emerged that they had made their move on Cronulla Sharks outside back Matt Ikuvalu.
According to Catalan Media, the centre is headed to Catalans immediately after being let go by the Sharks.
The club have now confirmed that an agreement has been reached in principle but medical tests need to be completed upon his arrival.
Catalans made the following statement:
“Catalans Dragons can confirm that we have reached an agreement in principle with Cronulla Sharks for the transfer of Australian centre Matt Ikuvalu to the Club.
“The transfer remains subject to medical tests that the player will after his arrival at the beginning of next week in Perpignan.”
It’s an important signing not just for now but moving forward with the Dragons of course losing a key back in the shape of Sam Tomkins with the former England skipper retiring at the end of the season.