In a striking development in the world of rugby, Hull KR's recent changes have been branded a ‘luxury’ by the newly appointed Super League director, just as the 2026 season approaches.
Catalans Dragons' head coach, Joel Tomkins, has expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e, who joined the team from Hull KR. Tomkins has praised this young playmaker as an exceptional asset, noting that his impact has been felt immediately since relocating to the south of France.
Laulu-Togaga’e made the move to the Dragons following Hull KR’s strategic overhaul of their roster, which included bringing in several new players to bolster their title defense. Tomkins acknowledged that this change has already shown significant benefits for the team.
At just 22 years old, Laulu-Togaga’e had limited first-team exposure with only nine appearances at Sewell Group Craven Park, complemented by loan stints at Oldham that were crucial for his development. Now, this dynamic player is vying for a consistent role in Tomkins' matchday lineup for the upcoming season, proudly donning the number 14 jersey for his inaugural campaign in Perpignan.
Tomkins shared with Hull Live, "We acquired him from Hull KR after they made a few signings, and I must say, he’s truly impressed me as a reliable backup for our key positions—one, six, or seven. It’s a real advantage to have someone of his caliber who can step in at any moment."
The coach’s confidence in Laulu-Togaga’e stemmed from reviewing his footage, which convinced him to include the player in his squad during a time of significant transition for the Dragons. This marks Tomkins’ first full season at the helm after his permanent appointment last summer, taking over from Steve McNamara.
Laulu-Togaga’e is among the 13 fresh faces joining the club, while 15 players parted ways following a tumultuous 2025 season that saw the Dragons fall short of the playoffs.
Tomkins, who has a history with Hull KR himself spanning two years, remarked on Laulu-Togaga’e's potential: "He has been outstanding. He played numerous Championship matches last year at Oldham. His name came up during discussions, and although I was vaguely familiar with him, diving into his Championship performances revealed he has a lot to offer.
"He’s an exciting talent, one of those unique players who can create opportunities that are often beyond conventional coaching—his creativity, speed, and footwork are exceptional. While he may not be the largest player on the field, he's remarkably tough and resilient. We’ve been upfront about his current status, providing cover for positions like one, six, seven, and potentially even nine or the outside backs.
"However, his approach during preseason has been impressive, and he is earnestly pushing for a spot in the 17 or even 13. I would have no hesitation including Phoenix in the lineup—we certainly have a wealth of talent with him on board."
This situation raises interesting questions about team dynamics and player development in professional sports. What do you think about the impact of such strategic changes in team composition? Do you agree with Tomkins’ assessments of Laulu-Togaga’e as a luxury acquisition? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
