The future of Catalans Dragons star Siua Taukeiaho has been one of the dominant topics in the Betfred Super League over the course of the off-season.
After years of speculation, the Tongan international and World Cup star arrived at Catalans ahead of the 2023 Super League season. However, he would struggle with injuries and therefore would struggle for game time.
Reports of homesickness emerged and the club eventually released a statement. At first glance, the statement seemed to be announcing his release but further inspection shows that the release was conditional on another club signing the player.
He agreed a two year deal with Canterbury but their delays due to a full salary cap and then a failed medical saw the move fall through. He has returned to France for surgery and could be set to stay.
However, according to Treize Mondial, the French club are considering a swap deal for Taukeiaho to sign an NRL star.
They reported: “The prop had originally planned to join the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL after securing a release with a year left on his contract at Perpignan. However, he failed a medical examination due to his lingering injury. With Taukeiaho’s family remaining in Australia, the Catalan club will be keeping a close eye on his recovery. The Dragons are considering the possibility of him leaving the club to join his family if he finds a new contract and his contract situation is resolved.
“The possibility of a player swap with an NRL side seems likely once Taukeiaho recovers. Although the player can also resume with the Dragons if no agreement is reached.”
It is unclear if they will try and target another prop to replace him or if they will use their quota spot elsewhere. The Dragons have lost almost their entire spine after last season. Wigan Warriors legend Sam Tomkins retired as did NRL stalwart Mitchell Pearce. Meanwhile, Tyrone May was snapped up by Hull KR.
Arthur Mourgue will move to fullback and Theo Fages will replace Pearce but it is unclear how the Dragons will move to replace May at stand-off.
