Luciano Leilua’s NRL career isn’t over, but his time at St George Illawarra is. After months of uncertainty, the powerful back-rower has secured a move to the Super League, becoming the latest experienced Dragon to make way as the club doubles down on youth.
Leilua has agreed to a three-year deal with French club Catalans Dragons from 2027 after being told he would not be offered a new contract by St George Illawarra. The decision comes despite the 30-year-old enjoying arguably his best football in several seasons.
What’s surprising is that Leilua wanted to stay.
Earlier this season, the Samoa international openly admitted he hoped to remain at the Dragons beyond 2026 and simply left negotiations in the hands of his manager while concentrating on his football.
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“For sure, I would love to (remain at the Dragons),” Leilua said.
Instead, the club has opted to move in a different direction.
The decision isn’t necessarily a reflection of Leilua’s performances.
Instead, it highlights where the Dragons see their future.
Young back-rowers Dylan Egan, Ryan Couchman and Jacob Halangahu have all emerged as long-term pieces of the club’s rebuild, while representative forward Keaon Koloamatangi will arrive next season to further strengthen the pack. With limited salary cap space and a desire to develop younger talent, Leilua ultimately became the odd man out.
Ironically, Leilua had previously requested a stint in NSW Cup earlier this season—not because he wanted out, but because he wanted more minutes.
He responded with a dominant display in reserve grade before returning to the NRL, yet it wasn’t enough to change the club’s long-term plans. When he later requested an early release after securing his overseas deal, the Dragons knocked it back, preferring to keep his experience for the remainder of the season.
His departure continues a dramatic reshaping of the Dragons’ roster.
Leilua joins Damien Cook, Tyrell Sloan, Mat Feagai and Emre Guler among the players departing at season’s end as interim coach Dean Young oversees the remainder of the campaign while the club continues its rebuild following Shane Flanagan’s departure earlier this year.
For Catalans, the signing is a significant coup.
Across 177 NRL appearances with the Dragons, Wests Tigers and Cowboys, Leilua has built a reputation as one of the game’s most damaging edge forwards when fit and in form. His size, footwork and offloading ability should make him an immediate asset in the Super League.
Whether Dragons fans agree with the decision remains to be seen.
Leilua’s form suggested he still had plenty to offer.
But in today’s NRL, clubs are increasingly forced to make difficult calls between proven experience and investing in the next generation.
St George Illawarra has made its choice.
Now the pressure shifts to the young forwards replacing one of the club’s most experienced campaigners.
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