NRL centre linked with immediate Super League move

Josh McAllister
Patrick Herbert, PA

Patrick Herbert of the Maori All Stars celebrates with team-mates. Picture by Brendon Thorne/AAP/PA Images

NRL centre Patrick Herbert has been linked with an immediate move to Super League following his release from the Gold Coast Titans.

Herbert, 26, made his NRL debut with the New Zealand Warriors back in 2019 against Melbourne Storm. He featured across two seasons with the side before linking up with the Gold Coast Titans ahead of 2021.

A two-time Maori All Stars representative, Herbert made 38 appearances for the Titans, scoring seven tries. But the centre was granted an immediate release just last week by mutual consent.

Catalan Media have since reported that the Kiwi centre could be heading to Perpignan to link up with the Dragons.

The French outfit have been hit with injuries throughout the early stages of the 2023 campaign. Australian half-back Mitchell Pearce only made his first appearance of the season during Saturday’s 32-22 defeat to Leeds.

During the match, the side were also hit with a triple injury blow to Mickael Goudemand, Ben Garcia and Tyrone May.

Both Goudemand and captain Garcia failed their respective head injury assessments during the Round Six loss. Meanwhile, moved into the halves for 2023, May suffered a serious-looking ankle injury that saw him leave Headingley Stadium in a protective boot.

Full-back Sam Tomkins has also only made one appearance so far this season due to an ongoing knee injury.

Vacant squad numbers tease signings

Head coach Steve McNamara teased that his side could make signings during the course of the season after leaving squad numbers 20 and 21 vacant ahead of the campaign.

Currently in their squad, off-season recruit Adam Keighran was handed the number three shirt for his debut Super League season. The 25-year-old Sydney-born utility has also featured in the halves so far this season. Keighran has produced five try assists and scored twice himself so far this year in six appearances. The outside-back has also kicked 19 goals.

Meanwhile France international Matthieu Laguerre has shirt number four for Catalans. The 24-year-old was promoted to a first-team number in 2023, having worn 18 last season. 

During the off-season, the Dragons released both starting centres in Dean Whare and Samisoni Langi.

Whare, 33, opted to join Pia in the French Elite competition. France international Langi, 29, joined Wakefield on a two-year deal.

READ NEXT: Catalans Dragons dealt triple injury blow to key men

Super League Catalans Dragons

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