In a surprising mid-season move, Catalans Dragons head coach Joel Tomkins has stepped down from his role after just nine months at the helm. The 39-year-old cited personal reasons for his departure, specifically the challenge of being away from his family.

Tomkins, a former dual-code international and older brother of rugby league legend Sam Tomkins, took over the Perpignan-based club in June 2023 following Steve McNamara's exit. He had signed a long-term contract until the end of the 2027 campaign, making this early exit a significant shift for the Super League side.

In a statement on the club website, Tomkins expressed gratitude for his time with Les Dracs, stating, "I'm leaving the club a better coach than when I arrived." However, he emphasized the personal toll, saying, "living away from my family for such a long time has been difficult." This decision follows a recent period where he returned home for personal reasons.

The Dragons' coaching duties will remain in the hands of the interim trio of Ryan Sheridan, Michael McIlorum, and Mitchell Pearce, who have led the team for its last three matches. The club now faces a crucial period, sitting with a 4-3 record in Super League play and fresh off a Challenge Cup quarter-final exit to St Helens.

Tomkins' departure marks another chapter in his long history with the club, where he also ended his playing career in 2021. The search for a permanent successor will be a key storyline to watch as Catalans aim to solidify their playoff positioning this season.