LEWIS DODD has signed a new one-year deal with Catalans Dragons before even playing a game for the French club.
The 23-year-old initially signed for the coming season alone, after his time at South Sydney Rabbitohs was cut short, but that contract has now been extended until the end of 2027.
With Super League players now able to negotiate with other clubs in the final year of their contract, clubs have to move faster to avoid losing players.
After signing the deal, Dodd said: “I’m really happy to have signed a contract extension with the club.
“I’m excited to keep building with this group, and really looking forward to the season ahead.”
A product of St Helens’ academy, Dodd rose through all the junior ranks before making his professional debut in 2020.
The halfback helped Saints win Super League three times between 2020 and 2022, albeit only playing in the 2021 Grand Final (he missed out the following year due injury).
Then in 2023, Dodd scored the winning field-goal against NRL champions Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge.
After four first-team seasons with St Helens, he moved to the NRL for the 2025 season, joining South Sydney and making six appearances.
Catalans head coach Joel Tomkins said: “I am delighted to extend Lewis for an extra year.
“He has settled in really well in France and is already a very well-liked member of the squad.
“This signing gives us some consistency in an important position for the next couple of seasons.”