The Catalans Dragons have made a decisive move in their ongoing squad transformation, securing the signature of a powerful Penrith Panthers forward as Joel Tomkins’ ambitious rebuild project gathers serious pace. This acquisition represents more than just the addition of another talented body to the roster—it is a statement of intent from a club that has set its sights firmly on breaking barriers in the Super League and establishing themselves as perennial contenders. Over the last few seasons, the Dragons have gone from a team struggling for consistency to one that commands respect across the rugby league world, and Tomkins’ vision has been at the heart of that shift. By bringing in proven performers from high-caliber environments like the NRL, Catalans are signaling that their ambition is not limited to domestic competition but extends to making a real impact on the international stage.
The signing itself comes at a time when Catalans are undergoing a significant period of change, with Tomkins determined to craft a squad that can handle the physicality, pace, and tactical challenges that come with competing at the highest level. The arrival of the Penrith Panthers forward—whose experience includes playing in one of the most intense and competitive rugby league environments in the world—gives the Dragons exactly the kind of muscle, aggression, and professionalism they need in their pack. The NRL is widely considered the pinnacle of club rugby league, and players who thrive there bring with them not only technical skill but also a mental edge that can prove invaluable in tight, high-pressure games. That’s exactly what Catalans need if they are to match the pace set by their fiercest rivals and go one better in their hunt for silverware.
For Tomkins, this move is as much about culture as it is about capability. Since taking on the role of overseeing the rebuild, he has spoken extensively about the importance of instilling a winning mindset within the squad. Signing players from successful organizations like Penrith brings with it an injection of that mentality—players accustomed to high standards of preparation, discipline, and execution. The Panthers, after all, have set the benchmark in recent years for how to dominate both physically and strategically, and their forward pack has been instrumental in their rise. Bringing in one of their key contributors sends a clear message to both the fans and the wider rugby league community: Catalans are not here to simply compete; they are here to dominate.
This approach is not without its challenges. Integrating new signings, particularly from a different hemisphere, requires careful management to ensure they adapt quickly to the style of play, weather conditions, and cultural differences that come with life in the south of France. Yet, Catalans have a strong track record of helping overseas recruits settle, and the club’s multicultural environment, coupled with the passionate support of their fan base, makes the transition smoother. The Dragons’ home ground has long been a fortress, with the crowd’s energy serving as a 14th man, and adding another player with big-game experience will only strengthen that advantage.
The timing of the signing is also significant. Catalans are currently at a point in their development where the foundations have been laid, and now it’s about fine-tuning the squad to ensure they can compete at the business end of the season. Over the last few years, they have shown flashes of brilliance—reaching finals, upsetting favorites, and producing performances that have lit up the competition. However, the missing piece has often been consistency and the ability to impose their game on opponents week in, week out. By securing a forward who has consistently competed against some of the toughest packs in the game, Catalans have addressed one of their most pressing needs.
Joel Tomkins’ rebuild has been methodical. Rather than simply chasing marquee names for the sake of headlines, he has focused on players who fit the club’s vision and style of play. This latest addition aligns perfectly with that approach. The Penrith Panthers forward is known not only for his physical presence but also for his work rate, defensive reliability, and ability to provide go-forward ball in critical moments. Those attributes are exactly what the Dragons need to complement their existing talent. With a mix of hard-hitting forwards and dynamic backs, Catalans now have the makings of a balanced and dangerous squad capable of matching any team in the league.
The move also reflects a growing trend in rugby league: the increasing cross-pollination between the NRL and Super League. In the past, players often viewed a move from the NRL to the Super League as a step down or a winding down of their career. That perception has shifted, with many now seeing it as an opportunity to take on a fresh challenge, experience a different style of play, and make a meaningful impact in a new competition. For Catalans, tapping into that market has become a key part of their recruitment strategy. They recognize that while homegrown talent remains essential, supplementing it with battle-hardened professionals from the NRL can elevate the entire squad’s performance levels.
For the fans, this signing is cause for excitement. Catalans supporters are among the most passionate in rugby league, and they have been hungry for sustained success ever since the club’s memorable Challenge Cup triumph in 2018. That victory was a watershed moment, proving that a French side could compete with and beat the best. Since then, the hunger for more silverware has only grown, and signings like this bring them closer to that goal. The prospect of seeing their new forward in action—smashing into tackles, driving through defensive lines, and inspiring those around him—will undoubtedly generate a buzz ahead of the new season.
Of course, one player alone cannot transform a team, and Tomkins knows this well. The rebuild is a long-term process, requiring not only smart recruitment but also effective coaching, strong leadership, and a unified dressing room. However, each new signing is a building block, and this one is particularly important given the physical demands of the Super League. In a competition where games can turn into arm-wrestles decided by small margins, having forwards who can consistently win the ruck and dominate collisions can make all the difference. This new addition will be expected to play a central role in achieving that.
What makes this move even more intriguing is how it might influence the Dragons’ style of play. Catalans have often been at their best when combining flair with forward dominance—using their big men to win territory and create the platform for their backs to express themselves. With the addition of a Penrith-trained enforcer, we could see them lean even more into a power-based approach, wearing down opponents before striking with clinical precision. That style has proven successful in both the NRL and Super League, and it plays to the strengths of many players already in the squad.
In terms of competition for places, this signing will undoubtedly raise the bar. Existing forwards will need to step up to ensure they retain their spots, creating a healthy level of internal competition. This is exactly what Tomkins will want, as it drives standards up across the board. A squad that pushes each other in training is far more likely to produce the goods on match day, and with depth in key positions, Catalans will be better equipped to handle the inevitable injuries and suspensions that come with a long season.
From the Penrith Panthers’ perspective, losing a player of this caliber is never easy, but it speaks to the growing global reach of rugby league. The fact that NRL talent is choosing to move to the Super League shows that the competition is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for top-tier professionals. While Penrith will undoubtedly look to fill the gap left by his departure, Catalans will be reaping the rewards of his arrival.
As pre-season preparations ramp up, all eyes will be on how quickly the new forward integrates into the squad and adapts to his new surroundings. His performances in the early rounds will be closely scrutinized, not only by fans and pundits but also by opposition coaches looking for any weaknesses to exploit. If he can hit the ground running, he could become one of the most influential signings of the season.
Ultimately, this move embodies everything that Joel Tomkins has been working towards since taking charge of the rebuild. It’s about building a squad that can not only compete but also inspire—a team that blends grit and skill, power and flair, local talent and international experience. By bringing in a player forged in the fires of NRL intensity, Catalans have taken another big step towards realizing that vision. Whether this will be the signing that helps them finally lift the Super League trophy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Dragons are not standing still. They are moving forward with purpose, and the rest of the league would be wise to take notice.
