Catalans sign Charlie Staines for 2026

Catalans Dragons have further added to their squad for 2026, with Charlie Staines joining the club on a two-year deal.

The Samoan winger, who currently plays for the Wests Tigers in the NRL, will link up with the French side next season.

Staines said: "It’s certainly an exciting development for myself and the family. Speaking to the Catalans Manager and Coach, I believe they are working towards setting the club up for a better future and I am excited about being a key part of it.

"I look forward to taking on this new challenge with the Catalans Dragons."

After joining Penrith in 2019, the Panthers' winger quickly set the Rugby League world alight, becoming just the sixth player in history to score four more tries on his professional debut. On his first appearance, he scored four tries against Cronulla before following up with a brace in his second game three weeks later against Manly.

A speedy winger also capable of playing fullback, he scored 23 tries in 39 appearances for Penrith Panthers before moving to the Wests Tigers for the 2023 season. A NRL winner in 2021, he capped off his time at Penrith with another NRL title the following year, scoring a try in the Grand Final against Parramatta.

Now in his third season with the Tigers, he has registered 16 tries in 38 appearances so far, including four tries in seven games this season.

Australian of Samoan descent, the 24-year-old winger has made one international appearance for Samoa, featuring in their 42–12 victory over the Cook Islands in 2022.

Staines, who scored 39 tries in 77 NRL games so far, will be reunited in Perpignan with his teammate Solomona Faataape, who also currently plays for the Wests Tigers.

Dragons head coach, Joel Tomkins, said: "Charlie joins us with a wealth of NRL experience and has played games at the highest level including a Grand Final win.

"His speed and ability to beat defenders will be a big asset to our attack next season. It’s a big decision for Charlie to move his young family to this side of the world and he is coming with a motivation to be a part of a successful Dragons team."