Whitehead planning parting gift for the Dragons

Former Bradford Bulls star Elliott Whitehead aims to finish his Catalans Dragons career on a high with Challenge Cup glory.
Catalans' Elliot Whitehead hits the Wakefield defenceCatalans' Elliot Whitehead hits the Wakefield defence
Catalans' Elliot Whitehead hits the Wakefield defence

Second-row Whitehead, 25, will leave the Dragons at the end of the season to take up a two-year deal with NRL side Canberra Raiders from 2016.

The former Bulls forward has not picked up any silverware since bursting onto the scene in 2009, and is hungry for success in his swansong season with Catalans.

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“It’s a massive game for us,” he said. “We’ve spoken about it in the week and going to Hull KR is never easy but, hopefully, we can get the win and then get to Wembley this year.

“It’s potentially my last chance to get there, and to win some silverware over here, so I’d absolutely love to get to the final.

“But it’s not just about me, we want to get there together to play at Wembley and win the famous Cup, too.”

Catalans go into tonight’s clash on the back of back-to-back victories in Super League over Hull FC and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

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The Dragons reached the Challenge Cup final in 2007, and Whitehead is aware of the importance of the Cup for the Catalans supporters.

“Everyone in the south of France knows the importance of the Challenge Cup”, said Whitehead.

“They got there in 2007 and it was a massive occasion for a club like Catalans. We’re confident that if we get there again we can beat anyone on our day.

“But we can’t look too far ahead, we’ve got to do the job on Thursday by beating Hull KR who are tough to beat on their own patch.”

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Adam Sidlow has signed a new two-year deal which means he will be at Bradford Bulls until at least the end of 2017.

The 27-year-old front-row is in his third season with Bulls after arriving from Salford prior to the start of the 2013 campaign.

Long-serving St Helens full-back Paul Wellens has announced his retirement at 35, bringing his distinguished 18-year professional playing career to an end.

The former club captain, who led Saints to their 14-6 Grand-Final win over Wigan at Old Trafford last October, has failed to overcome a hip injury which requires major surgery.