Ex-NRL pair released by club after 'unacceptable' event

July 12, 2024 Sports 25 Views

Former NRL players Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jayden Nikorima have been released by their Super League club the Catalans Dragons following a “highly unacceptable” incident.

Both players, along with their teammate Damel Diakhate, had their contracts ripped up with immediate effect after the club completed a “disciplinary process”.

In a statement released on Friday night (AEST), the club did not explain exactly what occurred but said the actions of the group were “contrary to the club’s values”.

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Siosiua Taukeiaho of the Roosters cools down during the round eight NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Sydney Roosters at Stadium Australia on April 30, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. Jason McCawley via Getty Images

“Following a disciplinary process, the Catalans Dragons have decided to terminate the contracts of three of their players with immediate effect. The players concerned are Siua Taukeiaho, Jayden Nikorima and Damel Diakhate,” the statement read.

“All players were involved in an incident deemed to be highly unacceptable by the club and contrary to the club’s values.”

Lock Taukeiaho began his NRL career with the Warriors in 2013 but joined the ranks at the Sydney Roosters the following year.

Jayden Nikorima playing for the Roosters in 2017. Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

He went on to play 168 first-grade games for the Roosters across nine seasons, including the club’s premierships in 2018 and 2019.

Taukeiaho made the switch to the Catalans last year. The 32-year-old had made 10 appearances for the French side.

While playmaker Nikorima featured in seven first-grade games for the Roosters and two for the Storm between 2016 and 2023. He joined the Dragons ahead of this season.

The Catalans currently sit sixth on the Super League ladder.