Catalans Dragons have lost a number of star players to the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors for next year though have brought in Chris Satae from Hull FC for 2024.
Mickael Goudemand is headed to Leeds whilst Tiaki Chan and Adam Keighran have both signed for Wigan in 2024.
Sam Tomkins meanwhile is set to retire. His former Wigan teammate Michael McIlorum also seemed headed down that track but has backflipped on the decision according to reports.
Mitchell Pearce his reportedly headed back to the NRL whilst Tyrone May is set to leave the club despite his big NRL move following through as well.
There is a lot of change going on at the South of France.
Another star is set to leave but there has now been an interesting development at St Helens that impact them.
St Helens are expected to also sign Matt Whitley for 2024.
In the press conference at the Magic Weekend, McNamara was asked about Whitley’s future as rumours circle and it was confirmed that he would be leaving the club at the end of the 2023 season to take on a new opportunity.
McNamara said he had “some big decisions to make” and had to think about his family.
Whitley meanwhile addressed his future on Sky Sports.
When asked, he said: “I am just focusing on playing for Catalans. I am more than happy with playing for Catalans week in week out and focusing on the season.”
Now Bill Arthur on Sky Sports has also said this move will be happening.
As Saints and Catalans met last week, Arthur said: “Matt Whitley playing for Catalans Dragons tonight, he will be a St Helens player next year.
“Can you imagine if he got over the tryline tonight?”
The Saints are also set to give a new deal to Sione Mata’utia.
“Hopefully we can get that done as quick as possible,” Wellens said on Saints TV.
“I mentioned a few weeks ago that it was important that we gave not just Sione, but his family, time to have a think about whether staying in the UK was something that they wanted to do.
“Obviously he’s had those discussions now and it’s starting to look quite favourable on our part that he wants to stay around a bit longer.
“So hopefully – I’m due to see Mike Rush in a minute – so if we can get that sorted in the next hour, that’d be nice.
“The sooner the better because Sione is a brilliant person, wonderful player, and a really well-liked and valued member of the group.
“So you know we always want to. Keep those players around.”
Thus the Saints will have plenty of options for 2024 in the backrow.
