‘There’s things happening there’ – John Cartwright addresses Solomona Faataape future amid exit rumours

Catalans Dragons head coach John Cartwright admits ‘things are happening’ with regard to Solomona Faataape’s future with the French club, amid speculation he is set to leave at the end of the season.

Love Rugby League understands St Helens have begun negotiations with the centre over a proposed move for 2027, while previous reports suggest Hull FC are interested in his services as well.

Faataape arrived at the Stade Gilbert Brutus from NRL side Wests Tigers ahead of the 2026 season, and has since made 23 appearances. In that time, he has also scored nine tries.

‘There’s things happening there’

Despite putting pen to paper on an initial two-year deal with Catalans in July last year, it seems his time in the South of France will come to an early end, with Cartwright admitting things are progressing over a possible exit.

“There’s things happening there, but as far as how it’s panned out I’m not 100% clear at the moment,” he told members of the media following his side’s 42-20 defeat to Huddersfield Giants.

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“We have a short week again next week to get those things sorted. I know there are some things happening, but not 100% sure of the details.”

However, despite the centre potentially cutting his initial contract short, Cartwright was quick to stress there is no ill-feeling between the club and the player.

“That’s the game now. It’s a business; clubs make decisions on what’s best for the club and players make decisions on the best interests of the player. That’s understood.

“As long as they keep turning up and doing their job, there are no issues there.

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Catalans recruitment update

The impending departure of Faataape means Les Dracs will have to once again dip into the transfer market for further reinforcements.

This is not entirely new for them, though, with Tyson Gamble already signing on the dotted line for 2027, Hame Sele reportedly agreeing a deal and Hull FC hooker Amir Borouh understood to be a key target, but Cartwright feels his side can still do more ahead of 2027.

“I think we’ve done reasonably well; but we’ve got more to do,” he said.

“The club want to be back to where they were six or seven years ago, so we need to recruit and retain, and that process never stops.”

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