The Super League club made a shock move with the retired star
The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants have all signed NRL stars for next year.
But a number of clubs are also busy signing Super League stars, with Catalans Dragons replacing Hull FC prop Chris Satae and Huddersfield Giants full-back Theo Fages.
The Dragons are set to lose a number of players, but according to Catalan media, they have made a shock move for retired NRL star Wade Graham.
Graham was close to joining the Dragons in the past and decided to retire at the end of 2023, but the Dragons made a shock move to reverse his decision according to Catalan media.
This comes after Mitchell Pearce announced his retirement.
He said on social media:
Hey guys, I’ve decided that this season will be my last in rugby league.
“What a journey.
I finished the game knowing that I had given my heart and soul for almost 18 years.
“I had some great times and left the game with friends I know I will have for the rest of my life.
“I still have work to do with the Catalan Dragons and I am fully ready to win this trophy and make French Rugby League history.
”
The Catalan Dragons have also confirmed that Siua Taukeiaho will be released for the remainder of his contract at the end of the 2023 season for family reasons.
The club also made it clear that they “would be open to negotiations if the player finds new opportunities elsewhere”.
The Tongan international arrived at the club this season and made seven appearances for the Dragons in an injury-plagued season.
The club also took this opportunity to wish him the best for the future.
Siua Taukeiaho:
“It’s been a disappointing season with the number of injuries I’ve had.
I love this place, I want to stay longer but I have to put my family first.
I remain 100% focused on my goals with the club until the end of the season.
I will do everything I can to get in the best shape to help the team win the competition.
I haven’t signed anywhere else.
If this happens, both clubs will negotiate.
Bernard Guasch:
“We have discussed with Siua and we understand his decision to return to Australia.
He was disappointed with his season and wanted to contribute more to the club’s achievements.
We know he will do everything he can to be able to play in the final games of the season and help the team achieve its goals.
The Dragons have been looking for support since Dylan Napa left the club.
Now they have one more quota place to use.
Interestingly he is not the only Catalan player expected to join the NRL, with Mitchell Pearce expected to do so in 2024.
Tyrone May has also been linked with a move move to the Canterbury Bulldogs, but that is said to have fallen through.
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