Jesse Arthars will be playing in Super League from 2027 with the Brisbane Broncos man signing a two-year deal with Catalans Dragons in a huge coup for the French outfit.
It’s a significant signing and one that also will raise questions over the possibility of head coach John Cartwright staying at the club longer than his agreed term until the end of the season, given the fact the Australian coach has worked with Jesse Arthars when at Brisbane Broncos previously.
Cartwright has described the signing as a ‘major statement by the club’ and it’s a statement that could well convince him that he would want to remain beyond the end of the current season.
It was known that Arthars was set to leave the Broncos with a £300,000 switch to Gold Coast Titans falling through but Catalans have moved fast to ensure that the New Zealand-born back will be playing in Super League in 2026.
Announcing the news, a club statement read: “Catalans Dragons are delighted to announce the signing of Jesse Arthars from the 2027 season.
“The 27-year-old from New Zealand who can play winger, fullback or centre, has signed a 2-year contract with the club.”
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Jesse Arthars signs for Catalans Dragons
Jesse Arthars has made 74 NRL appearances and was a key member of the club;s 2025 Grand Final-winning team, despite the fact he ultimately did not play in the end-of-season clash.
Only last year he made an appearance for Queensland in State of Origin, highlighting just what a special player he is and the fact that at 27, he is far from done.
Speaking on the move, Arthars said: “I’m super excited to be joining the Catalans Dragons for the next couple of seasons. Looking forward to representing the club, the fans, embracing the culture and exploring the south of France. Allez Les Dragons!”
Head coach John Cartwright added: “I have worked with Jesse at the Broncos. He’s a class player on and off the field. He is a good character and a hard worker in the peak of his career. It’s a major statement signing by the club.”
𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆 🤝 pic.twitter.com/F6WA5YrvT7
— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) June 18, 2026
