Former Hull KR man Phoenix Laulu-Togag’ae has given his verdict on his time in France so far with the 22-year-old tasked with a different role now at Catalans Dragons.
Despite first signing with Hull KR in 2022 and only leaving them this past off-season, Laulu-Togag’ae only played nine games for the Robins with the entirety of his 2024 and 2025 campaigns spent on loan at Oldham in League One and then the Championship.
As such, it’s been a big step up for him at Catalans but the full-back has settled well, even if he’s not playing in his preferred position.
Speaking to the club’s media this week ahead of the game against Hull FC, he said: “I feel good, it’s been challenging to come to a new country and learn the language but I’m enjoying it and the weather is a lot better than England.”
“Obviously, I prefer full-back but I’m just happy to play anywhere,” the 22-year-old said when asked about his position, with Charlie Staines the clear number one and Laulu-Togag’ae having played wing, half-back and centre in his past three matches.
He added: “Anywhere in the team that Joel gives me an opportunity to play in, I’ll play.”
Catalans Dragons developing a DNA as Hull KR win hailed
Another key thing that Laulu-Togag’ae pointed to about this current Catalans team was their DNA, something that is in development given that such a large number of new players were signed and have been thrust into action early on.
Previewing today’s game away to Hull FC, the former Hull KR man said: “They’re a good team who just came off the back of a good victory against Leeds and it’s a tough place to play at but if we trust our game plan, the coaches, and trust in the DNA that we’ve built then I’m sure we’ll be good.”
Assistant coach Ryan Sheridan echoed sentiments about the club’s DNA as he touched on the spirit of the win over Hull KR last week.
“I think the key word there is spirit, we’re finding a spirit within the team and we’re learning to become a team. What is our DNA? What do we stand for? We’re finding that out each game and learning lessons about each other.
“That was a really tough game against Hull KR. We had to earn it, we lost two players to head knocks but we find a way which shows a lot about the character of the team.”
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