Exclusive: Super League forward set to be offered mega $1 million NRL deal

There have been some big money moves between the Super League and NRL over the years and they can often involve some of Super League’s biggest teams such as Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and St Helens.

However there’s a new player at the top of Super League right now and that’s Catalans Dragons with the French side currently topping the table and heading for the League Leaders’ Shield.

The Dragons are a side with plenty of firepower courtesy of the NRL including ties to Trent Robinson, former Dragons boss and current Sydney Roosters head coach.

Two of the Dragons’ stand-out signings at the start of the year both came from the Roosters in the form of versatile back Adam Keighran and forward Sio Siua Taukeiaho.

Keighran has impressed so much so that he’s landed a contract at Wigan for 2024 with the Australian having played in the halves and all along the back line as well.

As for Taukeiaho, Serious Abour Rugby League understands he’s set for an NRL return, and one that will come with a huge $1 million contract.

Our understanding is he will leave the Dragons at the end of the season to link up with Canterbury Bulldogs, who have seemingly beaten St George Illawarra Dragons and Wests Tigers into the signature of the Tongan.

Gus Gould’s Bulldogs have put an offer of $500,000 per season for a two-year deal on the table for Taukeiaho, according to our sources.

It would be a huge move him, but also a huge blow for Catalans who would be set to lose two of their 2023 recruits after just one year of service.

The Dragons have already announced the signature of Hull FC forward Chris Satae for the 2024 season who will be a like for like replacement at prop should the reports from down under turn out to be true.

It should be noted though that the deal isn’t yet done with the Telegraph claiming that Catalans are keen to receive a transfer fee given that Taukeiaho is still contracted to Catalans in 2024.

A fee would encourage Catalans to release the prop and therefore get the deal done for Canterbury, similar to how St Helens released Joey Lussick for an opportunity to head to Parramatta Eels.