
There have been some big exits in 2023 like Blake Austin and Kruise Leeming leaving Leeds Rhinos, Josh McGuire’s Warrington Wolves exit, Brad Singleton leaving Wigan Warriors for Salford Red Devils and Tyler Dupree coming the other way and Hull FC parting company with Kane Evans.
But one of the biggest emerged this week. As with every every season, at the start of 2023 there was a lot of hype around a lot of signings.
Leigh Leopards had done great business, Hull KR had added to their squad smartly, Warrington Wolves brought in Paul Vaughan, Toby King and Jake Wardle addressed the centre question at Wigan Warriors and there were plenty more major signings but perhaps the biggest was the arrival of World Cup star and Sydney Roosters star Siua Taukeiaho.
But Catalans Dragons confirmed this week that Siua Taukeiaho will be released from the remainder of his contract at the end of the 2023 season for family reasons. The club will be ready to negotiate if the player finds a new opportunity elsewhere.
The Tongan prop arrived at the club this season and made 7 appearances for the Dragons in an injury-blighted season.
The club made it clear that they would like to wish him all the best for the future.
Now, the prop is being tipped for a huge NRL move by Australian publication Zerotackle. He is set to join Canterbury Bulldogs.
Speaking on his exit, Siua Taukeiaho said: “It’s been a disappointing season with the number of injuries I have had. I love this place, I wish I could have stayed longer but I need to put my family first. I remain 100% focused on my objectives with the club until the end of the season. I will do everything to get my body right to help the team to win the competition. I haven’t signed anywhere else. If that happens, both clubs will then negotiate.”
Bernard Guasch added: “We’ve had a discussion with Siua and we understand his decision to return to Australia. He is very frustrated with his season and would have liked to contribute more to the club’s performances. We know he is going to do everything he can to be competitive for the last games of the season and to help the team to achieve its objectives.”
