Catalans Dragons have continued their recruitment drive down under, snapping up Dolphins prospect Josh Allen on a two-year deal starting in 2026.
The 24-year-old prop, who is yet to make a first-grade NRL appearance, will make the move to Perpignan after spending recent seasons developing in Australia’s second-tier competitions.
Allen is the son of former Brisbane and London Broncos forward Gavin Allen, who played in Super League nearly three decades ago. Now, his son will follow in his footsteps, crossing hemispheres for a fresh challenge in the south of France.
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‘One of the best front-rowers in Super League’
Though he has not cracked the NRL top grade yet, Allen has built a solid reputation in the Queensland and New South Wales Cups, chalking up 50 appearances and six tries while turning out for Northern Pride, Canberra’s reserves, and the Dolphins’ second string.
Dragons head coach Joel Tomkins is backing the towering forward, who stands at 6ft 4in and weighs in at 112kg, to make a real impact in Super League. “He has the potential to be one of the best front-rowers in Super League,” Tomkins said.
Allen, a former amateur boxer, is under no illusions about the step up, but is eager to embrace it: “I’m excited for the opportunity to be able to pursue a career with Catalans,” he said. “It is a dream and a challenge I’m keen to take on. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season and proving myself in the Super League arena.”