
The Super League transfer window is in full swing now, with clubs across the competition stepping up their recruitment for next season.
Multiple teams have already dipped their toes into the market, while others are fully immersed in building a squad for 2025 despite only being a third of the way through the current season.
One of those clubs is Hull FC who have already splashed the cash on several players, most notably Leigh Leopards captain Jon Asiata.
Another side set for a big turnover are the Catalans Dragons. They have already confirmed the departure of back-rower Mike McMeeken to Wakefield Trinity and more are expected to follow.
Wingers Tom Davies and Tom Johnstone are also on their way out, joining Hull KR and Wakefield respectively, leaving head coach Steve McNamara and the hierarchy at the Dragons with work to do.
Catalans Dragons to go ‘all out’ for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
Losing Davies and Johnstone is a huge hole to fill for Catalans, with both having enjoyed superb spells in the South of France.
As two of the most consistent wingers in the league, they require real quality to fill that void. Unsurprisngly the Dragons are targeting just that in the shape of Kiwi superstar Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Watene-Zelezniak still has a year to run on his deal at the New Zealand Warriors, however, with Catalans having money in the bank, it is reported they are prepared to throw big money and a three-year deal at their main transfer target.
Wide World of Sport reports he is the ‘number one target’ for the ‘cashed-up’ Perpignan outfit with a source revealing he’s top of their transfer list after Daniel Tupou signed a new deal with the Sydney Roosters.
“We were looking at Watene-Zelezniak and Daniel Tupou,” a Catalans source told Wide World of Sports.
“Now Tupou has re-signed with the Roosters, we will be going all out for Watene-Zelezniak.”
Watene-Zelezniak turns 29 in August and has 200 NRL appearances to his name. He made his debut for the Penrith Panthers in 2014 and made his New Zealand debut in 2016.
The prolific winger, who can also play full-back, has scored over 100 career tries, includinh 9 tries in 11 appearances for the Kiwis.
Known for his fearless runs at the start of yardage sets, elusive style in the back-field and his spectacular finishes close to the line, Watene-Zelezniak is still rated very highly in the NRL.
Should Catalans secure his signature and bring him to Super League, ‘DWZ’ will undoubtedly go down as one of the most impressive signings made for 2025 so far.
