Catalans Dragons Eye NRL Wingers for 2025 Roster
According to reports in France, the Catalans Dragons are keeping a close eye on NRL wingers Daniel Tupou of the Sydney Roosters and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak of the New Zealand Warriors as potential signings for the 2025 season.
Head coach Steve McNamara’s side is likely to have a new wing partnership next year, with Tom Johnstone and Tom Davies strongly linked with moves to Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR, respectively.
French publication L’Independant has revealed that the Dragons are monitoring Tupou and Watene-Zelezniak, as well as expressing interest in Leeds Rhinos’ Ash Handley.
Tonga international Tupou is out of contract at the end of the current NRL campaign and has previously been connected with a Super League switch. Meanwhile, New Zealand representative Watene-Zelezniak is tied to the Warriors until the end of 2025.
Tupou has amassed an impressive 148 tries in 248 games for the Roosters since his 2012 debut. He has featured in the last three Rugby League World Cups for Tonga and made 10 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales.
Watene-Zelezniak, on the other hand, has scored 91 tries in 197 NRL matches for Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs, and the Warriors. He has earned 13 caps for the Kiwis, including appearances in the previous two World Cups.
The reported interest in Handley, who is under a long-term contract with his boyhood club Leeds Rhinos until 2026, has come as a surprise.
The Dragons look set to lose Johnstone and Davies, while France international winger Fouad Yaha’s future also remains uncertain beyond the current season.
The French club has been strongly linked with a move for St Helens veteran Tommy Makinson, who is expected to join the Dragons in 2025 after 14 seasons at Saints.
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