Catalans Dragons made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing that they had terminated the contracts of three players due to their “highly unacceptable” behavior.
This surprising move saw Damel Diakhate, Siua Taukeiaho, and Jayden Nikorima dismissed from the team. Notably, two of these players had only joined the club earlier this year.
The club issued a brief statement explaining that the players were involved in an incident that was considered highly unacceptable and against the club’s values. Details later emerged in the French press indicating that the trio had faked illness to skip training and attend a concert. Furthermore, they failed to attend the mandated international match between France and England.
Following Catalans Dragons’ victory over Salford Red Devils, head coach Steve McNamara briefly addressed the situation. The team’s 20-0 win propelled them into fifth place in the Super League standings, tied on points with Salford and St Helens. McNamara, while praising his team’s performance and try-scorer Arthur Romano, also commented on the dismissal of the three players. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the club’s standards and the necessity of imposing consequences when those standards are not met.
McNamara’s comments, reported by Steve Brady of Catalan Media, highlighted the club’s commitment to upholding their values. He expressed regret over the situation but stressed the need to address the misconduct. The firm stance taken by Catalans Dragons reflects a shift from their past reputation, where the club was sometimes seen as a relaxed environment for overseas signings.
In recent years, players like Sam Tomkins and Mitchell Pearce have been credited with helping to transform the club’s culture, steering Catalans towards becoming one of the elite teams in the Super League. This transformation underscores the importance of discipline and commitment to the club’s long-term success. The dismissal of Diakhate, Taukeiaho, and Nikorima serves as a reminder that adherence to team values is crucial, reinforcing the standards that have driven the club’s recent achievements.
