After signing for Catalans Dragons, Tommy Makinson has explained why he left St Helens with the winger also stating what the sport needs more of.
The veteran winger called time on his lengthy spell with the Red Vee to make the switch to Perpignan for the 2025 season, helping to replace fellow English stars Tom Johnstone and Tom Davies.
Makinson left St Helens having made 337 appearances for the club dating all the way back to 2011, during which time he scored an impressive 207 tries.
At just 33, it was a shock for him to exit but in an interview with his new club, he’s explained the motivations behind the move, as well as why he left St Helens.
Speaking on the Catalans YouTube channel, Makinson said: “I played for St Helens all my life but I wanted to challenge myself and come over here so why not play for Catalans Dragons who have such a rich history?”
Tommy Makinson reveals why he left St Helens after 13 years
Credit: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
Catalans have started to mix it with the elite of Super League in their recent history, albeit a poor 2024 saw them miss the play-offs which is something that Makinson has never done in his career.
He went on to further explain his move, noting:”I’ve always wanted to test myself in a different country and I never wanted to play for another Super League club, bar Catalans. That opportunity came around, I could have stayed at St Helens, but I wanted to come and play for Catalans for a few years.
“I played there a long time. I feel that there were some people disappointed but a great amount were really excited for me as well because Catalans is a huge club.”
The 33-year-old would note the recent Grand Final appearances and also spoke on what role he thinks he will have with the club.
“They’ve been really close to winning Super League a few times and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Makinson explained.
“There are so many great players and a lot of young French players coming through. I feel that’s a big responsibility for me, I’m an experienced player and have won many competitions and I think Catalans signed me for a reason which is to help them.
“They’ve made some great signings and Sam (Tomkins) is going around again. I’ve never really been this excited for a long time. I want to achieve something special for France and Catalans Dragons.”
Tommy Makinson explains what rugby league needs more of
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
The influence of Sam Tomkins on English players making the switch to Perpignan looked set to come to a halt when he announced his retirement but after returning in 2024 and signing on for 2025, that influence is back – as Makinson explained.
“Sam was a huge reason,” he noted when asked about his decision to join.
“I’ve played with him at international level for many years and he spoke so highly of the place and the club. He wasn’t wrong and he’s one of the main reasons I’m here.”
Makinson was also asked about the club’s charismatic owner Bernard Guasch which led the winger to highlight what rugby league lacks.
He explained: “I think people from England know what Bernard is like. He’s a passionate owner who gives his all. I think Super League needs more owners like Bernard, he puts his heart and soul into it.
“He backs (the club) a lot financially and does a lot for the town. I think he’s a great owner and Super League needs more like him because you see in England that rugby league is not really on the up but sometimes on the down.
“We need more like him who are passionate, put money into the sport and are great people. I’m happy that Bernard and Steve put their trust in me to come here.”
