One of Catalans Dragons’ 13 new signings has revealed his Leeds Rhinos’ fandom and discussed his switch from the NRL, hailing it as ‘probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made’.
Of the current Super League clubs that also featured in the 2025 season, Catalans Dragons have had the largest turnover with 13 signings and 14 departures.
Plenty of those signings have come from overseas with seven of their 13 recruits hailing from down under, including Wests Tigers recruit Solomona Faataape. He’s not the only outside back to arrive in the south of France from the Tigers with teammate Charlie Staines also signing, something that Faataape admitted has made the move easier.
Speaking to L’Independant in France, the 25-year-old admitted to nerves when making the switch but just three months in, he’s totally at ease and ready to kick on in his debut year.
“I was a bit nervous, it was a big step,” Faataape said, before quickly adding: “It’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Catalans Dragons signing embracing pressure
Those nerves were quickly eradicated by what he described as an ‘easy transition’, adding: “The club really welcomed me from day one. When you arrive so far from home, it means a lot. They trusted me, and I won’t forget that.”
With so many new faces, Faataape was happy to see a familiar one when Staines arrived, admitting he felt ‘more at ease’ whilst he also admitted to being a Leeds Rhinos fan, quickly noting: “But that was before.”
He’s now immersed in the culture of the Dragons: “A club like the Dragons, with such a rich history, is a fantastic opportunity.
“It’s a good kind of pressure and I don’t want to disappoint the supporters.
“I’ve been given an incredible opportunity. I want to give everything for this jersey and for these people.”
Fans will get a first chance to see Faataape when Catalans make the trip over to face Batley in the third round of the Challenge Cup, before they then welcome Huddersfield Giants to the Stade Gilbert Brutus a week later to open up their Super League campaign.
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