Catalans Dragons shocked the rugby league world today as they announced the signing of Kiwi rugby union player Ben Lam. Lam, who has played internationally in rugby union for both New Zealand (sevens) and Samoa, will join the Dragons with immediate effect until the end of the 2024 season, following the expiration of his contract with union side Montpellier.

Catalans Dragons Head Coach Steve McNamara said on the signing: “Ben has shown a real desire to try rugby league and has made a big personal commitment to give himself every chance to be successful at it. We are really happy to give him the opportunity. His pedigree in Rugby Union is there to see and it is with great interest that we wait to see if we can help him turn that quality into rugby league.”

Saints have also added some talent from Down Under as Australian back Tristan Sailor will join the Saints from the start of the 2025 season. The 26-year-old, who currently plays for Brisbane Broncos in the NRL, and previously turned out for St. George Illawarra, can play full hack or half back, and will join the club on a deal until the end of the 2026 season.

Finally, Hull FC’s high squad turnover continues following the loan signing of young prop Sam Eseh from the Wigan Warriors. Eseh has had previous loan spells with Wakefield, Castleford, and Leeds in the Super League has signed a loan deal until the end of the season, and could go straight into the squad for the Black-and-Whites trip to Leigh this weekend.

Sources: http://www.catalansdragons.com/en/articles-9/287-11981-dragons-sign-ben-lam/, https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cy0ngxwwdrro & https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/c0e88np0nqwo