Star winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak of the New Zealand Warriors is reportedly attracting interest from another team for the upcoming season. Despite a recent dip in form, the former New Zealand Kiwis skipper has been in career-best shape over the last few seasons.
Having been named in the Dally M Team of the Year in 2023, Watene-Zelezniak is closing in on 200 first-grade games in the NRL, with 55 of those appearances coming from his time with the Warriors. The 28-year-old, capped 13 times by the Kiwis, is said to be drawing attention from an overseas club as his current contract nears its end.
According to French publication L’Independant, Super League side Catalan Dragons are keeping tabs on the winger’s situation. While Watene-Zelezniak extended his contract until the conclusion of the 2025 NRL season towards the end of last year, he becomes eligible to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 later this year.
Among other club players who will be free to negotiate with rival teams in November are Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Mitch Barnett, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Tohu Harris, Edward Kosi, Ali Leiataua, Te Maire Martin, Marcelo Montoya, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey, Taine Tuaupiki, and Dylan Walker.
Head coach Andrew Webster expressed his satisfaction with Watene-Zelezniak’s commitment upon his re-signing last year, praising his contributions on and off the field. He highlighted Watene-Zelezniak’s exceptional yardage carries, scoring ability, defensive reliability, and overall understanding of team strategy.
