Cook Islands star Dylan Napa handed NRL lifeline

Josh McAllister
Dylan Napa Cook Islands PA

Dylan Napa in action for the Cook Islands at the 2021 World Cup

Reports in Australia have revealed that former Catalans forward and current Cook Islands international Dylan Napa has made a return to Sydney Roosters in the NRL. 

Sydney Morning Herald sports writer Christian Nicolussi shared the news via social media on Tuesday. It has been reported that the 30-year-old has returned to the club on a train-and-trial deal for 2023.

Napa left the Roosters at the end of the 2018 season, featuring from the bench in the Grand Final that year in the 21-6 win over Melbourne Storm.

He went on to join Canterbury Bulldogs ahead of the 2019 season on a three-year deal.

The seven-time State of Origin Queensland representative made the switch to Super League in 2022 with French outfit Catalans on a two-year deal.

However, he was released with a year remaining on his contract ahead of the 2023 campaign by mutual consent. He made 20 appearances for the Dragons in his only season with the club.

The 6ft 4in front-rower was born in Brisbane to a Cook Islander father and an Australian mother. He has represented the Cook Islands in two World Cups (2013 and 2021), winning four caps.

Dylan Napa following in footsteps of Josh Reynolds

Following his release from Hull last year, Josh Reynolds became the latest player to earn a full-time deal back in the NRL for 2023. The 33-year-old half-back impressed while on a train-and-trial agreement with Canterbury Bulldogs.

He was offered a one-year contract by head coach Cameron Ciraldo following the three-month period. 

Reynolds last played for the Bulldogs in 2017 before three years with Wests Tigers. He later switched to Super League with Hull in 2021.

He was released by then-Hull coach Brett Hodgson midway through the 2022 campaign.

The former New South Wales playmaker made his Belmore return during the NRL’s 2023 pre-season trial. He has been named in the reserves for their opening fixture against Manly Sea Eagles.

WATCH: Josh Reynolds receives heroic welcome on Belmore return

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