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2026 Season Preview: Catalans Dragons
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Catalans Dragons were widely expected to challenge the top teams in the Betfred Super League last year following another impressive recruitment drive.
But things failed to materialise, and the Dragons finished in a disappointing ninth place.
Rookie head coach Joel Tomkins took the reins from Steve McNamara and although they went on to experience some extremely difficult summer months, his side managed to finish the season on a more positive note with four late victories, including an emphatic one against fourth-placed Leeds Rhinos.
The key for Catalans is building on the end of last year and hoping that their new combinations can gel sufficiently this time round.
There has been a dramatic overhaul of the squad once again, with a long list of notable exits. That said, they will welcome some high-profile names and an array of talent to the club for the upcoming campaign, as Tomkins enters his first full year in charge.
With a new sense of direction, the French outfit will be Play-Off hopefuls in 2026...
Concentration ???????? ? pic.twitter.com/VnsNwFW4Q8
— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 14, 2026
Another season near the bottom of the ladder will simply not suffice for the 2023 Grand Finalists, but it won’t be easy - and they will have to perform at the top of their game every week if they are to climb back into the top six this year.
Do you think the Dragons can rise again?
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— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 7, 2026
Ins & Outs:
Ins: Toby Sexton (Canterbury Bulldogs), Solomona Faataape (Wests Tigers), Harvey Wilson (Salford Red Devils), Josh Allen (Dolphins), Zac Lipowicz (Penrith Panthers), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans), Charlie Staines (Wests Tigers), Josh Simm (Castleford), Lewis Dodd (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Ben Condon (Widnes Vikings), Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e (Hull KR), Manase Koho (North Devils), Kruise Leeming (Wigan Warriors - season-long loan)
Outs: Sam Tomkins, Theo Fages, Tevita Pangai Jr, Fouad Yaha, Arthur Romano, Paul Séguier, Elliott Whitehead, Tariq Sims, Tanguy Zenon, Bayley Sironen, Reimis Smith, Luke Keary, Jordan Dezaria, Oliver Partington, Cesar Rouge
Who are the ones to watch?
Catalans are no stranger to signing a star or two, and the arrival of Toby Sexton shows that.
Sexton comes to Catalans on a one-year deal, having previously played for Gold Coast Titans and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. Known for his strong kicking game and excellent game management, Sexton established himself as a top playmaker – with his rise coinciding with the Bulldogs’ who finished third in the NRL standings.
Can he help to revive the Dragons? He may have already secured his future at Perth Bears from 2027 as one of their marquee signings, but nevertheless, Sexton should look to make a significant impact while he’s in the south of France. Even if it is only for a year.
Partnering him in the halves will be former Saint Lewis Dodd, whose name went down in history three years ago when he kicked a match-winning drop goal against Penrith Panthers, and St Helens became the first club in the Super League era to win the World Club Challenge in Australia.
Dodd makes his return to Super League with a point to prove. After limited game time in the NRL last year, Dodd should be ready to shine and has already settled into the French way of life, having recently signed a contract extension before playing his first game.
Charlie Staines has got everybody talking and is an individual who has plenty of pace to burn. A proven speedster and NRL Premiership winner with Penrith, Staines is a terrific talent and doesn’t go by the nickname ‘Forbes Ferrari’ for nothing.
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— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) December 18, 2025
Kruise Leeming comes into the Catalans team as part of a swap deal with Oliver Partington heading the other way to Wigan Warriors. Leeming was a key part of the Wigan team that won all four trophies in 2024 and brings vital energy and control around the ruck. His commitment is unwavering and he is expected the seize this opportunity with both hands and hit it straight off with Dragons.
Finally, who could forget workhorse and captain Ben Garcia? Garcia’s loyalty to the club since 2013 cannot go unnoticed. Garcia is a pillar of industry and his work-rate in the middle of the field is second to none, inspiring his teammates through both good and bad times.
Who is the next generation?
Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet became a familiar face in 2025 following fullback Arthur Mourgue’s departure and racked up a total of 20 appearances for the Dragons.
At 20-years-old, Aispuro-Bichet is only just starting out, but already has heaps of experience under his belt after a tough year in 2025 when he was forced to step up.
As someone is confident in backing himself, if Aispuro-Bichet can perfect other areas of his game, then he should really thrive in 2026 and beyond.
Staines might have the number 1 shirt on his back, but the French youngster could make a positive impact from the bench, with his ability to cover all positions in the back line.
What are the defining dates?
Consistency is key for the Dragons in 2026. They must consistently perform throughout the year with focus on starting and finishing the regular season strong.
Their home fixtures are huge. Catalans have always taken pride in their exceptional record on home soil and will hope to re-establish Stade Gilbert Brutus as a fortress for teams to fear once more.
Their home ground is renowned for its intense, carnival-like atmosphere – particularly in those scorching summer night matches under the sun.
However, the Dragons won just five of their home games 2025, which is uncharacteristic in comparison to most seasons. Therefore it is imperative that they play to their best in front of their supporters.
June will then be extremely special for the Catalans club, as they celebrate their 20th anniversary of competing in the competition.
They will take their game against Wigan Warriors to the French capital, at Stade Jean Boudin, Paris – back where Super League all began.
This will also celebrate 30 years since the very first Super League fixture contested by Paris St Germain and Sheffield Eagles on French soil.
It will be a celebration, that’s for sure!
Back to where it all began for #SuperLeague ?@DragonsOfficiel will host @WiganWarriorsRLin in Paris on Saturday June 6th 2026 at the iconic Stade Jean Bouin ?? pic.twitter.com/CHOFJk6tdx
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 25, 2025
What is the 2026 squad list?
TBC...
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— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 7, 2026
What are the Dragons' first three games on SuperLeague+?
SuperLeague+ is back for another HUGE year of live action, and this is when fans can watch the Dragons in the opening rounds (UK and Ireland)*
- Round 1: Catalans Dragons v Huddersfield Giants – Friday 13 February (K.O. 6pm)
- Round 3: Catalans Dragons v St Helens – Saturday 28 February (K.O. 6pm)
- Round 5: Catalans Dragons v Hull KR – Saturday 21 March (K.O. 5.30pm)
*Overseas viewers can watch EVERY Dragons match LIVE every week.
Sign up to SuperLeague+ today to enjoy 130 LIVE games, full match replays, highlights and other exclusive on demand content!
What are the Dragons' Betfred Odds?
Grand Final – 28/1
Regular season winner – 33/1
Top 6 finish – 2/1
Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Winner – Toby Sexton 33/1
Click here for the full list of Betfred Super League betting odds
Where can I follow the Dragons on social media?
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The Dragons and 30 years of Super League:
The Dragons have been ever present since a French flavour was reintroduced to Super League in 2006.
Catalans have enjoyed considerable success over the last 20 years, including two Grand Final appearances, in 2021 and 2023 and the League Leaders’ Shield in 2021. They also made history in 2018 when they became the first non-English club to lift the Challenge Cup trophy.
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— Dragons Catalans (@DragonsOfficiel) January 7, 2026
Perpignan has become a popular place over the past two decades, with "Catalans away" synonymous with fun times and a festival-like feel; turning a regular league fixture into something iconic and what Super League fans circle on the calendar months in advance.
