Featherstone Rovers snap up Catalans Dragons forward

Josh McAllister 19 Oct 2022 8:15 AM

Mathieu Cozza Catalans Dragons Featherstone Rovers SWpix — Mathieu Cozza in action for Catalans | Photo: John Clifton/SWpix

Featherstone Rovers have signed Catalans Dragons prop forward Mathieu Cozza for the 2023 Championship season.

Cozza, 22, made his debut for the Dragons in 2021 against Salford. He went on to feature a further 10 times, and also featured for Barrow Raiders in the second division on loan last season.

He becomes Sean Long’s second signing since being appointed head coach earlier this month.

“I’m really pleased to be joining Featherstone Rovers,” Cozza said.

“I can’t wait to meet everyone and to get started and to do my best to help the club achieve its ambitions in 2023.”

Featherstone Rovers boss on new addition

New boss Long commented: “I’m very pleased to add Mathieu to our group of players. Mathieu brings a lot of youth and energy, with the experienced heads in the pack.

“I’m confident that we can provide an environment for him to develop further as a forward.”

The forward was among nine players who were released by Catalans following the conclusion of the 2022 Super League season. He is an academy product of the Super League side.

Featherstone, who missed out on promotion in 2022 having lost to Batley in the semi-finals, have also added Toulouse centre Chris Hankinson to their squad for 2023.

The 28-year-old goal-kicker suffered relegation with the French outfit in 2022, and will make the switch for 2023. He scored five tries and kicked 64 goals in 25 appearances for Toulouse.