Canberra Raiders Captain Elliott Whitehead Secures Super League Return with Catalans Dragons in 2025
Rugby league veteran Elliott Whitehead has announced that he will be returning to the Super League in 2025, signing a contract with his former club, the Catalans Dragons. The 34-year-old has been a mainstay in the Canberra Raiders’ forward pack since joining the club in 2016, making 198 appearances and serving as the team’s captain.
Whitehead, who has won 31 international caps for Great Britain and England, spent three seasons with the Dragons between 2013 and 2015 after making over 100 appearances for his boyhood club, the Bradford Bulls. The Bradfordian expressed his excitement about rejoining the French club, stating, > “Having seen how Catalans have grown since I left, I can’t wait to come back and hopefully help bring some more success to the south of France.”
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart praised Whitehead’s contributions to the club, saying, “Elliott has been a wonderful servant to the Raiders, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to have him finish his career with us.” The veteran forward is expected to surpass the 200-game milestone for the Raiders before making the move to the Super League in 2025.
Catalans coach Steve McNamara highlighted Whitehead’s qualities, commenting, > “Elliott is a great signing for the Dragons. His quality, experience, and leadership will be a huge asset for us. His rugby league instincts and intuition are something you cannot coach, and we look forward to his arrival in 2025.”
The news of Whitehead’s impending departure from the Raiders has been met with mixed emotions from the club’s members and fans, who have supported him since his arrival in 2016. The player expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for the club, stating, > “The players, staff, and club made me feel welcome since the moment I arrived, and with my family on the other side of the world, the club has become my second family.”
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