The role Trent Robinson played in NRL star’s move to France

New Catalans signing Adam Keighran says a recommendation from his Roosters coach Trent Robinson influenced his decision to move to the south of France.

The 25-year-old centre has joined the Dragons on a one-year deal for 2023.

Keighran, who has made 26 NRL appearances for New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters, spoke to his former coach before finalising his move to Perpignan.

Robinson has huge passion for growing the game in France, having previously enjoyed coaching spells with Toulouse and Catalans. He is also the director of rugby for the French national team.

“I spoke to Robbo (Trent Robinson) and he said to me that it would be a great opportunity for myself and my family to come over and experience it,” Keighran told the club’s YouTube channel.

“He spoke highly of the club and that was obviously an influence as to why I came here as well.

“It’s different (here) but I’m loving it at the moment. Going to the supermarket and things like that is a bit of a challenge but when I’m at the club its really good.

“All the boys are very welcoming, they adapt to my English language which is very good. I’m still learning French but it’s a very cool language to learn. Hopefully I can speak fluently within a couple of weeks ideally, but it’s probably going to be months.”

Adam Keighran wants to win a Super League title with Catalans

The Dragons won their first-ever piece of major silverware in 2018 when they won the Challenge Cup at Wembley.

And Steve McNamara’s side reached the Super League Grand Final in 2021, falling short to St Helens, who have now won it four times in a row.

But Keighran says the goal for the Dragons this year is to go one better and lift the Super League trophy.

“Speaking to the coach Steve (McNamara), the way he spoke about the club and the way they are heading really excited myself,” he added.

“I think the style of play that the Dragons play with excited me. I wanted to be a part of that and win a Premiership.

“That’s obviously the goal of every team but the passion they speak about it with here is really good and that’s why I joined.

“To win a Premiership, that’s the goal for this club and this group of players. If we can get that, that’s the pinnacle but I want to enjoy footy.”

Keighran will add plenty of versatility value to the Dragons in 2023. He is able to play centre, half-back, hooker and loose forward.

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