2025 was a curious year for the Dragons. The club parted ways with head coach Steve McNamara several weeks before formally announcing the decision, with Joel Tomkins stepping into the role on an interim basis. It was a season that never truly gained momentum, despite the occasional promising performance.
Historically, travelling to the south of France has always been a tough assignment. A blend of French flair and a fiercely partisan atmosphere has often made returning to England with two competition points a difficult task, and any victory there is very much earned.
Last season, however, something never quite clicked for the Dragons. Whether that was down to the disruption caused by a mid-season coaching change or deeper underlying issues remains open to debate, particularly with several established players moving on.
So, what can we expect in 2026?
Joel Tomkins has now been handed a permanent vote of confidence in Perpignan and will take the reins full-time. To some, the appointment represents a significant gamble given his relative inexperience as a coach. However, his pedigree as a player should not be overlooked—Tomkins was a serial winner during his playing career.
One of Tomkins’ biggest advantages is the opportunity he has been given to shape the squad. Catalans’ recruitment ahead of the new season has been intriguing, to say the least. The standout signing is undoubtedly Toby Sexton, a move that ranks not only as a major coup for the Dragons but arguably one of the most eye-catching signings in Super League. With an agreement already in place to join Perth in 2027, Sexton arrives in the British game with plenty to prove. If he can remain fit, he has the potential to become one of the league’s standout performers.
This season feels like a period of transition for the Dragons. Several older, more established players have made way for younger signings and emerging home-grown talent. Predicting results remains difficult; inconsistency away from home has often been an issue. However, if the Dragons can once again turn their home ground in the south of France into a fortress, they will be hopeful of a far more positive campaign in 2026.
Player to Watch: Toby Sexton
It may seem like jumping on the bandwagon, but it is rare for a halfback of Toby Sexton’s calibre to arrive in Super League while still firmly in his prime. His influence on the Dragons could be significant.
Much will depend on how quickly he forms an effective partnership with Lewis Dodd. However, the new-look Dragons spine appears to have a point to prove, and if everything falls into place, Sexton has all the tools to be a standout performer.
Top Try Scorer: Josh Simm
This may seem an unconventional selection, particularly as Josh Simm is not guaranteed a starting jersey. However, given Tommy Makinson’s recent injury record, Simm is likely to see plenty of game time.
His two seasons with the Tigers demonstrated that he consistently takes his opportunities when they arise. A versatile and capable player, Simm has shown clear quality, and with the level of service he is likely to receive, the St Helens native could be in line for a highly productive season.
Players In:
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 Kaho (Norths Devils), Kruise Leeming (Wigan – season-long loan)
Players Out:
Sam Tomkins (Retirement), Theo Fages (Pia Donkeys), Tevita Pangai Jr (Sporting Club Leucate), Fouad Yaha (Albi), Arthur Romano (Hull FC), Paul Séguier (Carcassonne), Elliott Whitehead (Retirement), Tariq Sims (Retirement), Tanguy Zenon (Halifax Panthers), Bayley Sironen (TBC), Reimis Smith (Retirement), Luke Keary (Retirement), Jordan Dezaria (Hull KR), Cesar Rouge (Toulouse), Oliver Partington (Wigan)
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