Despite saying in December that their 12th signing of the off-season would be their last, Catalans Dragons have added another new face to the side this week.
Albeit at the expense of Oliver Partington, the Dragons have finally secured a starting number nine, as Kruise Leeming joins the club on a year-long loan.
The addition of the former Leeds, Huddersfield and NRL man is a much-needed one, given the club’s lack of quality hookers.
With that position seemingly filled, Joel Tomkins can now focus on other areas of the field, and in some positions there are a plethora of riches, especially in the back five.
However, their forward pack could be seen as a concern, particularly, with the departure of Partington, as it means the club will now be on the lookout for a starter to replace him.
Catalans Dragons selection dilemmas assessed
Hooker
Prior to the arrival of Leeming, Alrix Da Costa was the only senior nine left in the squad, and whilst the Frenchman has talent, he is much more effective off the bench.
Captain Ben Garcia tried to learn the position last year, but that proved ineffective, and whilst Ugo Tison can fill in there, having Leeming makes them much more of a threat both in attack and defence, and now that he has a starting opportunity, will be out to prove himself.
Loose forward
Leeming may fill one hole in the side, but Partington’s exit creates another. The loose forward spot is now vacant, the likely move would be to put Garcia back to his normal position, after seasons of filling in at the back row and at nine.
Another option, and one that would fit in with the modern style of play, would be to use an extra prop in the role, perhaps one with more ball-handling ability to be able to pivot and help shift the ball to the halves. As it stands, that player would be Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, who’s brother Tino is one of the best in the world at doing that exact role.
Full-back
The number one spot is arguably where the club are most lucrative, but as mentioned positions one to five are all stacked with talent.
After stepping in for most of the 2025 campaign, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet signed a new contract earlier this week, and the club also have Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e, whom they signed from Hull KR.
However, overseas signings Charlie Staines is the most experienced player all-round, and as well as being able to play centre, can fill in at full-back if needed.
Prop
The final ‘dilemma’ as such for Tomkins is what is his best forward pack? The club are yet to release their shirt numbers, and whilst those don’t guarantee selections, they do give an indication as to what the club are thinking and what their plans are for the year ahead.
Depending on if Fa’asuamaleaui is used as a 13 or at prop, he will likely be in the starting side, and the club have also recruited Josh Allen from Redcliffe Dolphins to bolster their options.
Already at the club were Chris Satae, who is often used from the bench, Romaine Navarette, Julian Bousquet and Franck Maria, though the latter will be suspended for the first three matches of 2026 for the red card he received at Salford Red Devils in September.
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