Catalans Dragons terminate three players after 'highly unacceptable' incident

Catalans Dragons have terminated the contracts of overseas stars Jayden Nikorima and Siosiua Taukeiaho. The pair have both departed the French club with immediate effect following an alleged breach of their contracts, as well as Frenchman Damel Diakhate.

It is believed to relate to an issue that arose last month, with Nikorima subsequently not appearing in the Dragons' victory over Hull KR last weekend. All three have now received their dismissal notices and have left the club.

In a club statement, the Dragons said: "All players were involved in an incident deemed to be highly unacceptable by the club and contrary to the club's values."

Sources claim the incident relates to a period of unauthorised absence that took place during the international break week, when some members of the squad were expected to train.

Nikorima, who has made nine NRL appearances, only joined the Dragons ahead of the season and has made twelve appearances since his arrival. However, he has now departed less than a year since joining the club.

As for Taukieaho, he was Catalans big off-season signing ahead of the 2023 season but his time at the club has been plagued by injury. In fact, he has made just ten appearances for Catalans in almost two seasons, and hasn't played a single game this year due to a foot injury.

Their departures free up two quota spaces for the Dragons, which they may look to utilise before the transfer deadline window next month.