A Scrum-Half's Journey: From Saints to Dragons, and Now an Extended Stay in France
In a move that has sparked interest and debate among rugby league enthusiasts, Lewis Dodd, the former St Helens scrum-half, has decided to extend his contract with the Catalans Dragons for another year. But here's where it gets intriguing: Dodd hasn't even played a single game for the French club yet!
Lewis Dodd, a 23-year-old rugby talent, initially signed a one-year deal with the Perpignan-based outfit for the 2026 Super League season. However, his impressive performance and quick adaptation to the French environment have led to this early contract extension. Dodd's journey has been an eventful one, starting with his successful stint at Saints, where he won multiple Super League titles and even kicked the winning drop goal in the 2023 World Club Challenge.
But let's rewind a bit. Dodd's departure from Saints at the end of 2024 saw him join the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL on a three-year contract. Unfortunately, his time in Australia was brief, with only six appearances before his release. Now, he's back in Europe, and the Catalans Dragons are eager to keep him.
Joel Tomkins, the Dragons' head coach, expressed his delight at retaining Dodd, saying, "He has settled in remarkably well in France and is already a popular member of the squad. This signing provides us with stability in a crucial position for the upcoming seasons."
And this is the part most people miss: Dodd's extension is a strategic move by the Dragons to secure a key player for their future plans. With his experience and skill set, Dodd is expected to make a significant impact on the team's performance.
So, what do you think? Is this an inspired move by the Dragons, or are they getting ahead of themselves? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. We'd love to hear your take on this intriguing development in the world of rugby league!
