Get ready for a thrilling rugby league story! The new Super League boss has some bold words about Hull KR's departure, and it's a must-read for any sports enthusiast.
The Luxury Departure
In a recent interview, Catalans Dragons head coach Joel Tomkins praised the impact of Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e, a young talent who joined the Dragons from Hull KR. Tomkins described Laulu-Togaga'e as a "luxury" addition to the team, highlighting his immediate impression in the south of France.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Laulu-Togaga'e's move to the Dragons came after Hull KR's squad reshuffle, which included several new signings. Tomkins admitted that this move has already proven to be a wise decision, with the 22-year-old pushing hard to secure a spot in the matchday squad for the 2026 season.
During his time at Hull KR, Laulu-Togaga'e made only nine first-team appearances, with loan spells at Oldham. Now, he's ready to showcase his skills and make a name for himself in Perpignan.
Tomkins shared his thoughts on the acquisition, saying, "We got him from Hull KR after a couple of their signings, and he's really impressed me as a backup option for our one, six, or seven. It's a nice luxury to have someone of his caliber who can step in at any moment."
And this is the part most people miss...
Tomkins' decision to bring Laulu-Togaga'e into the squad was based on a thorough review of his footage. The former dual-code international is gearing up for his first full season as head coach, having taken over permanently last summer.
Laulu-Togaga'e is one of 13 new arrivals at the club, joining a team that underwent a significant overhaul after a challenging 2025 campaign. Tomkins, who played for Hull KR for two years during his career, couldn't hide his enthusiasm for the young player.
"He's been brilliant," Tomkins added. "He played a lot of Championship games last year at Oldham, and his name was brought to our attention. I'd heard of him before, but reviewing his Championship performances confirmed his potential. He's an exciting player with unique skills that can't be taught - his creativity, speed, and footwork are exceptional."
Despite his smaller stature, Laulu-Togaga'e is tough and strong, and he's already pushing for a starting position in the 17 or even the 13. Tomkins has no doubts about his ability and believes he brings serious quality to the team.
So, what do you think? Is Laulu-Togaga'e's move a luxury for the Dragons, or is there more to this story? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this intriguing rugby league tale!
