Catalans Dragons have appointed Mitchell Pearce and Micky McIlorum as assistant coaches ahead of the 2026 season.

After retiring at the end of the 2023 season, Mitchell Pearce makes his return to the club, having spent his final two seasons playing for the Dragons.

The former Australian playmaker, NRL champion in 2013 with the Sydney Roosters, played 17 seasons at the highest level. In his two years in Perpignan, he scored 14 tries in 41 games and featured in the 2023 Super League Grand Final, which was his last professional match.

He will be in charge of the attack within Joel Tomkins’ coaching staff.

Micky McIlorum also makes his return to Perpignan. He first joined the club in 2018 from Wigan, where he spent 11 seasons and won 3 Super League titles with the Warriors. The England international hooker left a strong mark on the club during his time in Perpignan.

A key figure in the Dragons squad, he lifted the Challenge Cup, the League Leaders’ Shield, and played in 2 Super League Grand Finals with the club at Old Trafford.

Currently with Hull KR since the start of the season, he is aiming for one last title before hanging up his boots and joining the Dragons’ coaching staff from the 2026 season.

Joel Tomkins, Catalans Dragons headcoach : I am delighted to have the coaching staff confirmed for next season. With Micky and Mitch working alongside Ryan Sheridan and Mathis Giroux, I believe we have the knowledge, support and trust needed to be an effective coaching team and help the players achieve success on the field. I’ve been close to Micky for over 20 years and his mentality, attitude and personal standards both on and off the field will bring positive change to our environment. Mitch’s career as a player speaks for itself and he thinks about the game in great detail, he will bring a new dimension to the way we attack.

Mitchell Pearce : I am excited to work at Catalans Dragons. I love the area, I love the club and want to help bring success to the team.

Micky McIlorum : I would like to express my deep gratitude to Bernard for his trust in me and offering me this role. I am delighted to be working alongside Joel and Mitchell, a great team with whom I look forward to working alongside to get the  Dragons back competing against the best. I am happy to be going back home to be with my family and back to the Stade Gilbert and reconnect with the passionate supporters. I am proud to represent this club and to share the next two years with you. We will give everything we have, every day, to bring pride back to the Catalans Dragons jersey!