The news broke earlier today that Catalans Dragons had terminated the contracts of three players, including two overseas stars, with immediate effect for an “unacceptable incident”, which has now been revealed.
Catalans Dragons made a very brief but damning statement as they explained that Damel Diakhate, Siua Taukeiaho and Jayden Nikorima had all had their contracts terminated with immediate effect following an incident.
The club posted:”Following a disciplinary process, the Catalans Dragons have decided to terminate the contracts of three of their Players with immediate effect. The players concerned are Siua Taukeiaho, Jayden Nikorima and Damel Diakhate.
“All Players were involved in an incident deemed to be highly unacceptable by the Club and contrary to the Club’s values.”
Diakhate had joined the club following an unsuccessful spell at Hull FC whilst Taukeiaho had joined for 2023 and Nikorima for 2024. They had only played a combined 11 games this season with all of those being Nikorima, however, the decisive action led fans to query what the trio had done that was deemed “contrary to the club’s values”.
That has now been revealed.
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Catalans Dragons trio pulled ‘sickie’ to attend concert
Credit: Imago Images
It has been revealed in the French press that the three players skipped training by feigning being ill and attended a concert.
The incident dates back a fortnight with L’Independant reporting that on Saturday, June 29th, when they were supposed to attend a tea meeting, the trio claimed that they were ill and attended a concert instead.
Moreover, they also failed to attend the international game between France and England, something that was mandated upon all players by the club.
L’Independant claims that the club’s management quickly found out about the lies and the fact they attended the concert which forced them to act swiftly and dismiss all three men, terminating their contracts.
“Once the trust between the players the their coaches was broken, the club was obliged to crack down and cut the contracts of the now ex-Dragons”, L’Independant surmised.
It now leaves the club with two open quota spots, something that could mean NRL recruit Nick Cotric could move to the club immediately if Canberra Raiders would be willing to allow him to make the switch.
It was also reported this week that their deal for Luke Keary is back on with Australian press reporting that the Roosters playmaker won’t retire but instead will take up a two-year deal in the South of France.
