There has been a lot of talk about wingers signing for new clubs in 2025 including St Helens star Tommy Makinson.
The winger has been at St Helens his entire career but was linked with a shock move to Catalans Dragons.
This was originally reported by Rugby League Live but now Sky Sports and Jenna Brooks has reported that he is set to join the Catalans Dragons for the 2025 season.
This is despite the rule that out of contract players in Super League cannot be approached by rival clubs until after May 1st giving their current club control of the situation.
Catalans Dragons are the club reportedly interested in the England international for 2025 as a replacement for Tom Johnstone who has been linked with a move to Wakefield Trinity or at the very least a return to England as his contract expires. There has also been a suggestion Tom Davies could move to Hull KR.
So, it makes sense that Catalans would be interested in Makinson but the St Helens Star has reported previously that the Saints are in talks with the winger to re-sign him to a long term deal.
New era at St Helens
At some point St Helens are going to have to accept what Leeds Rhinos did after the golden generation: that transition is inevitable.
Saints are arguably the best team in Super League history when it comes to transition. The Saints have never missed out on the play-offs even in transition seasons like 2003, 2004, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2017.
In fact their lowest Super League finish is remarkably fifth which is by far the best in Super League with the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors having finished outside the play-offs throughout Super League history.
But inevitably their own golden generation will begin to come to an end however. James Roby has already retired and the likes of Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley and of course Tommy Makinson are in the twilight of their careers.
So, questions will begin to be asked about these players and it will be interesting to see how this impact the decision over Makinson. The saving grace is the Saints have the best academy in the business.