Now that the transfer deadline has passed, focus will shift to 2024 signings with the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors having made major signings for next year whilst clubs like Hull FC and St Helens work for transfers of their own.
The reason I mention these four clubs is they are knitted together by Catalans Dragons.
It has already been confirmed that the French side will lose Adam Keighran and Tiaki Chan to Wigan.
Mickael Goudemand is headed to Leeds and the club have acted in replenishing the pack by signing Hull FC star Chris Satae.
But the French side are also set to lose Sam Tomkins, Tyrone May and Mitchell Pearce as well.
There is a lot of change going on at the South of France.
Another star is set to leave. 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.
He said: “He is set to join St Helens in 2024″ as he scored against Warrington Wolves.
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.
