Wakefield make move for former Catalans Dragons duo

Wakefield have signed former Catalans winger Romain Franco and prop Hugo Salabio on a month’s trial.

Franco, 24, has been playing for the Dragons reserve team St Esteve in the French Elite Championship, which came to a climax at the weekend with Limoux beating Carcassonne in the Grand Final.

He made seven appearances in Super League, the last of which was at full back in a 48-4 defeat to Wigan back in September.

On his debut in August 2021, he scored a try as Catalans won 23-16 away at Hull KR.

At a representative level, Franco has played twice for Spain and featured for France B in their defeat to England Knights last autumn.

Back in March, he expressed his desire to play at the top level. Franco said: “As an individual, my goal is to stay at the top level, so I continue to work hard for that, whether in bodybuilding or on the pitch, so I’m not closing the door either to the Dragons or to a possible departure to England.”

He now has a chance to prove himself at Wakefield, who sit rooted to the bottom of the Super League table after losing every game in 2023 so far.

Salabio made his sole Super League appearance for Catalans in the defeat to Wigan in September, and also featured twice for Toulouse in the Championship in 2021.

He too has been playing in the French Elite Championship with St Esteve and Pia Donkeys.

Players making the move from France

A number of players have made moves to the UK following the end of the French season.

London Broncos have signed Corey Norman and Dean Whare to boost their Championship play-off hopes, while David Weetman signed for Cornwall after finishing the season at St Gaudens.

Former Leeds hooker James Segeyaro, who has been playing for Lezignan, is expected to join Bradford once visa issues have been resolved.

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