Ex-Leeds Rhinos forward makes surprise return to Super League
A former Leeds Rhinos player has made a surprise return to Super League following a spell in Australia.
Catalans Dragons have announced the signing of French forward Mickael Goudemand on a deal until the end of this season. The 30-year-old back-rower began his career with hometown club Avignon and had a brief spell at Dewsbury Rams in 2017 before joining Catalans the following year.
His 99 appearances included the 2018 Wembley Challenge Cup win against Warrington Wolves and Grand Final loss to St Helens three years later and he moved to Rhinos, then coached by Rohan Smith, ahead of the 2024 season. Goudemand scored one try in 18 games for Leeds, but featured just once after Brad Arthur took over as team boss and was released at the end of the campaign with a year remaining on his contract.
He returned to France with Albi, helping them to the league title and signed for Australian club Junee Diesels, who play in the Group Nine competition, exactly a year ago. He joined Newcastle Knights’ second-string New South Wales Cup side in April, playing twice, before his return to Super League.
“I am very happy to be returning to the Catalans Dragons, the club where I had the opportunity to make my Super League debut and experience some incredible moments,” Goudemand told the club’s website. “Three years ago I decided to leave to discover new experiences, take on new challenges, and continue to grow both as a player and as a person. For now, the most important thing is to complete my rehabilitation successfully and get back to 100 per cent fitness.
“I can’t wait to see the supporters again and give everything I have for this jersey. Thank you to the club for placing its trust in me. I’m excited to begin this new chapter.”
He is the second ex-Leeds player in Catalans’ current squad, alongside hooker Kruise Leeming. Rhinos visit the French club on Saturday, July 11.