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<\/p>\nWhy Catalans Dragons are thrilled with their recruit from Hull KR with raving reviews.<\/p>\n
Former Hull KR youngster Phoenix Laulu-Togaga\u2019e is making waves in France.<\/p>\n
Catalans Dragons head coach Joel Tomkins has hailed the impact of Phoenix Laulu-Togaga\u2019e following his arrival from Hull KR<\/a>, describing the young playmaker as a \u201cluxury\u201d option who has immediately impressed in the south of France.<\/p>\n Laulu-Togaga\u2019e joined the Dragons after Hull KR reshaped their squad with several new signings ahead of their title-defending campaign<\/a>, and Tomkins admitted the move has already paid dividends.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Now, the maverick youngster is pushing to establish himself in Tomkins\u2019 matchday squad throughout the 2026 season, having been handed the number 14 shirt for his debut campaign in Perpignan.<\/p>\n \u201cWe got him from Hull KR after a couple of signings that they made, and he\u2019s really impressed me as a back up to our one, six or seven,\u201d Tomkins told Hull Live.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a nice luxury to have somebody of that quality who I know can jump in at any point.\u201d<\/p>\n Tomkins said reviewing Laulu-Togaga\u2019e\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Laulu-Togaga\u2019e 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been brilliant,\u201d Tomkins, who represented Hull KR for two years across his decorated career, added.<\/p>\n \u201cHe played a lot of Championship games last year at Oldham. His name was brought up to us, and I\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s an exciting player, and he\u2019s one of those players that does things you can\u2019t really coach sometimes – the way he creates things, his speed and footwork.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not the biggest guy, but he\u2019s tough and he\u2019s strong. We\u2019ve been straight with where Phoenix is at, that cover for one, six, seven, potentially even at nine or outside-backs.<\/p>\n \u201cBut the way he\u2019s gone about his business in pre-season, he\u2019s really pushing for a place in that 17 or even 13, and I\u2019ve got no qualms if Phoenix is in the team – we\u2019ve got some serious quality with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Super League 2026 Preview ON SALE NOW The new Super League season is upon us and to get you ready for kick-off we’ve got the essential season preview ON SALE NOW<\/a>.<\/p>\n Packed full of exclusive interviews with the game’s big hitters on and off the field, we also profile the new faces to watch out for and predict the biggest stories of the year. Featuring exclusive interviews from all 14 clubs, features, analysis and predictions, Super League 2026 really is your one stop shop for the new season.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-30-at-150350jpeg.jpg\")
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