Catalans Dragons going "all out" in pursuit of New Zealand Warriors hero

Catalans Dragons are set to go 'all out' in their pursuit of New Zealander Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. The French club, who were linked with the NRL star earlier this month, are said to have made the 28-year-old their top priority after missing out on another target, Daniel Tupou.

L'Independant revealed earlier this month that the Dragons had identified Watene-Zelezniak as a target to revamp their backline, with both Tom Johnstone and Tom Davies set to leave the club at the end of the season. He was one of three names mentioned, with Tupou and Leeds Rhinos winger Ash Handley also mentioned.

But Tupou is now expected to re-sign with Sydney Roosters while Handley is under contract at Headingley, making a move unlikely. As a result, Wide World of Sports is now reporting that the Dragons are pulling out all the stops to sign Watene-Zelezniak next season.

“We were looking at Watene-Zelezniak and Daniel Tupou,” a Catalans source said. “Now Tupou has re-signed with the Roosters, we will be going all out for Watene-Zelezniak.”

Watene-Zelezniak, the Dally M winger of the year in 2023, is a Kiwi international with 91 NRL tries in 199 appearances. He remains a regular with the Warriors this season, with five tries in nine games.

Big changes are expected at Catalans next year, with Mike McMeeken's move to Wakefield Trinity already confirmed for next season. They are also thought to be searching for a centre ahead of the new season.