JOHN CARTWRIGHT is eager to get stuck into his first pre-season with Catalans Dragons.
The majority of the Dragons’ squad returned to training on Monday, with an additional four players joining the previous 20 in reporting for duty from November 16 and the club’s World Cup representatives on November 23.
Catalans will take to the field with a new-look squad next season, with Cartwright firmly putting his stamp on the squad he inherited from Joel Tomkins.
Jesse Arthars (Brisbane Broncos), Tyson Gamble (Newcastle Knights), Luciano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons), Amir Bourouh (Hull FC), Alex Mellor (Castleford Tigers) and Joe Burgess (Hull KR) are among eleven new players heading to Perpignan in 2027.
“All pre-season preparations are demanding, and they are becoming more and more demanding every year,” explained Cartwright, who will hope to improve on the Dragons’ disappointing ninth-place finish last season.
“This is the only period of the season when you can really push your limits, day after day, to reach a new level.
“This year, this period will be just as important to strengthen our ties, get to know each other better, and become fully aware of who we are and what we represent.
“I look forward to taking on this challenge with the group.”
