Super League star set to be released ahead of major signing

Catalans Dragons are still in the market ahead of 2024 after losing a number of key players in 2023 which sadly ended in disappointment at Old Trafford against Wigan Warriors in the Grand Final.

The French club has a problem however. They no longer have a quota spot open ahead of the new season.

This is because of the situation that has arisen around Siua Taukeiaho. He was set to join Canterbury Bulldogs on a two year deal but he failed his medical seeing him return to the French club.

But the Dragons have already replaced him with Hull FC star Chris Satae and arguably have more important areas to consider such as stand-off after the dismantlement of their spine.

Serious About Rugby League understands it is likely Taukeiaho will therefore be released or used as a bargaining chip in a swap deal for a stand-off or centre from the NRL.

This comes after Adam Keighran left the club to join Wigan Warriors in a move that Jon Wells of Sky Sports have been very complimentary of:

“A relative unknown prior to the 2023 season, Keighran had previously plied his trade primarily for the Sydney Roosters and his breakout year in the NRL came in 2021.

“But what a debut Super League season he had in the south of France, playing 25 games for the Dragons and finishing third on the Super League points chart with 194, from 73 goals and 12 tries.

“But there’s a creative side to his play too, providing 10 try assists in the 2023 campaign, behind only fellow Catalans playmakers Tyrone May, Mitchell Pearce and Sam Tomkins, and mainly for the benefit of Tom Johnstone. Another prolific try-scoring winger in Liam Marshall will be taking those passes next season.

“The centre is skilful, durable, and uncomplicated – seemingly a perfect fit for the Warriors, who needed to plug a Toby King-shaped hole following his departure after the Warriors’ Grand Final victory.

“They have also recruited a top-class placekicker. Harry Smith ended the season with a flourish from the tee, but 2023 was not without serious wobbles, and a season success rate of 65 per cent from the tee needs work.

“By comparison, Keighran finished up at 78.5 per cent, so Warriors fans can safely assume that tries will be converted more often than not in 2024.”