Catalans Dragons have confirmed the signing of Charlie Staines from the 2026 Super League season, with the Samoan international winger agreeing to a two-year deal.
Staines, 24, will make the switch from the Wests Tigers, where he has scored 16 tries in 38 appearances since joining in 2023. A former Penrith Panthers flyer, he burst onto the NRL scene in 2020 with a remarkable debut, scoring four tries against Cronulla before following it up with a double against Manly three weeks later.
During his time at Penrith, Staines crossed for 23 tries in 38 matches and played in the 2022 NRL Grand Final, scoring in the Panthers’ victory over Parramatta. He was also part of the club’s 2021 premiership squad.
Of Samoan heritage, Staines has represented Samoa internationally, featuring in their 2022 win over the Cook Islands. He now has 39 tries from 77 NRL games.
Staines will link up with Solomona Faataape, his current Tigers teammate, in Perpignan, as the Dragons continue to build their squad for 2026. The signing comes in a busy recruitment period for head coach Joel Tomkins, with the club recently securing Harvey Wilson, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, and re-signing Julian Bousquet, alongside the addition of Faataape.
Head coach Tomkins praised the signing, saying:
“Charlie joins us with a wealth of NRL experience and has played games at the highest level including a Grand Final win. His speed and ability to beat defenders will be a big asset to our attack next season. It’s a big decision for Charlie to move his young family to this side of the world and he is coming with a motivation to be a part of a successful Dragons team.”
Quick Facts
- Name: Charlie Staines
- Date of Birth: 4 October 2000 (Age 24)
- Height/Weight: 180cm / 91kg
- Positions: Winger, Fullback
- NRL Debut: Penrith Panthers 56–24 Cronulla Sharks, 11 July 2020
- Clubs: Penrith Panthers (2020–22, 38 appearances, 23 tries), Wests Tigers (2023–25, 38 appearances, 16 tries)
- International: 1 Test for Samoa (2022)
Official Statement
🔗 Catalans Dragons Official Website
