Catalans Dragons are delighted to announce the signing of Jayden Nikorima from the 2024 season.

The Melbourne Storm playmaker, 27, has signed a two-year deal.

Jayden Nikorima said: “It was an exciting opportunity for my family and I, which we are very grateful for - it’s pretty crazy to think I’ll be able to join the Catalan Dragons for the 2024 season and it was an easy decision to make, knowing I’d be coached under Steve again. From afar I have always admired what the Dragons are about and can’t wait to get amongst the culture, the community and excited to meet their passionate fans later this upcoming season. I’ll be arriving late November with the family ready to work hard, have a great pre-season, & be ready for a big 2024 season with the Club!”

Jayden Nikorima made his professional NRL debut in 2016 at 19 years-old with Sydney Roosters. He made his first start for the Roosters in their big win over St Helens in the World Club Challenge. The New Zealand five-eighth played 7 NRL games during his time with Sydney, scoring a try in his second appearance against Canberra.

With limited opportunities in the Roosters impressive squad, he played in the NSW Cup and the QLD Cup with the Roosters and Brisbane reserve, scoring 16 tries in 30 appearances between 2016 and 2021.

After six seasons spent at Sydney, he moved to Melbourne ahead of the 2022 season. A key player of the QLD Cup with the Storm reserve team, he scored 20 tries in 34 games. Jayden Nikorima played 2 NRL games with Melbourne.

He also made his international debut for the Maori All-Stars against the Indigenous All-Stars in 2022.

An offensive player, the New Zealand creative playmaker is set to discover the Super League with the best years of his career ahead of him.

Steve McNamara déclarait : “Jayden is a player I feel will thrive both at the Dragons and in the super league competition. Having coached him as a young 20 year-old with the Roosters, I have seen 1st hand his outstanding attacking abilities. He will add a different dynamic to our team whilst complimenting the other halves options we will have.”

Jayden Nikorima profile

Date of birth: 10 May 1996
Height : 174 cm
Weight : 83 kg
Position : Five-eighth
Previous clubs: Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm
Debut: Sydney Roosters vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, 6 March 2016
Club stats: Sydney Roosters (2016) : 7 appearances, 1 try | Melbourne Storm (2022-2023) : 2 appearances
Rep. Honours: Maori (2022) : 1 appearance