Why Catalans Dragons are thrilled with their recruit from Hull KR with raving reviews.
Former Hull KR youngster Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e is making waves in France.
Catalans Dragons head coach Joel Tomkins has hailed the impact of Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e following his arrival from Hull KR, describing the young playmaker as a “luxury” option who has immediately impressed in the south of France.
Laulu-Togaga’e joined the Dragons after Hull KR reshaped their squad with several new signings ahead of their title-defending campaign, and Tomkins admitted the move has already paid dividends.
The 22-year-old made just nine first-team appearances during his time at Sewell Group Craven Park, alongside loan spells with Oldham as he continued his development.
Now, the maverick youngster is pushing to establish himself in Tomkins’ matchday squad throughout the 2026 season, having been handed the number 14 shirt for his debut campaign in Perpignan.
“We got him from Hull KR after a couple of signings that they made, and he’s really impressed me as a back up to our one, six or seven,” Tomkins told Hull Live.
“It’s a nice luxury to have somebody of that quality who I know can jump in at any point.”
Tomkins said reviewing Laulu-Togaga’e’s footage gave him the confidence to bring him into his squad as the Dragons underwent a major overhaul. The former dual-code international is preparing for his first full season in charge following his permanent appointment last summer to succeed Steve McNamara.
Laulu-Togaga’e is one of 13 new arrivals at the club, while 15 players departed following a rollercoaster of a 2025 campaign that saw the Dragons finish outside the play-offs.
“He’s been brilliant,” Tomkins, who represented Hull KR for two years across his decorated career, added.
“He played a lot of Championship games last year at Oldham. His name was brought up to us, and I’d obviously heard of him and seen bits of him before, but when I actually went through his Championship games last year, he does a lot of good things.
“He’s an exciting player, and he’s one of those players that does things you can’t really coach sometimes – the way he creates things, his speed and footwork.
“He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s tough and he’s strong. We’ve been straight with where Phoenix is at, that cover for one, six, seven, potentially even at nine or outside-backs.
“But the way he’s gone about his business in pre-season, he’s really pushing for a place in that 17 or even 13, and I’ve got no qualms if Phoenix is in the team – we’ve got some serious quality with him.”
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