just in: catalans dragons join wigan warriors in a race to sign australian talent will hopoate
the catalans dragons have reportedly entered the race to sign australian star will hopoate, joining the wigan warriors in what could be one of the biggest transfer battles of the rugby league off-season. the 32-year-old utility back is a seasoned professional, known for his versatility and strong performances on both the domestic and international stage.
hopoate, who is currently with st helens in the betfred super league, has attracted significant interest after another solid season. he has proven himself to be a reliable player, capable of operating at fullback, center, or wing, making him an attractive target for clubs looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2025 season.
catalans’ ambitions
the catalans dragons, fresh off a highly competitive 2024 campaign, are keen to bolster their squad as they aim to solidify their position as one of the super league’s top contenders. head coach steve mcnamara has been vocal about the need to add experienced players with a winning mentality, and hopoate fits that bill perfectly.
“will is a player who brings quality and leadership,” a source close to the club said. “he has the ability to inspire those around him, and his experience at the highest level would be invaluable for catalans as they push for silverware.”
wigan’s determination
meanwhile, wigan warriors are determined not to let the dragons steal a march on them. the warriors, perennial contenders in the super league, have already begun discussions with hopoate’s representatives. they view the signing as a crucial step toward maintaining their dominance and addressing depth issues in their backline.
“hopoate is a class act, and his addition would make a huge impact,” a wigan insider stated. “we’re confident in our ability to attract top talent, and we believe will would thrive in our setup.”
st helens’ stance
despite the mounting interest, st helens have not given up hope of retaining hopoate. the club is understood to have offered the samoan international an extension to his current contract, emphasizing his importance to their plans moving forward. st helens fans have voiced their desire to see hopoate remain, citing his consistent performances and leadership on the field.
hopoate’s options
hopoate himself has remained tight-lipped about his future, but sources close to the player suggest he is weighing up his options carefully. with his career entering its later stages, the decision is likely to be influenced by factors such as contract length, financial terms, and the opportunity to compete for trophies.
“will is taking his time to ensure he makes the best choice for himself and his family,” a close associate revealed. “he’s grateful for the interest shown by these top clubs and is excited about what the future holds.”
what’s next?
as catalans dragons and wigan warriors prepare their offers, the rugby league community eagerly awaits hopoate’s decision. whether he remains with st helens, heads to the south of france, or joins the warriors’ ranks, one thing is certain: hopoate’s next move will have a significant impact on the super league landscape in 2025.
