Jesse Arthars: Broncos Exit, Catalans Move & Career Profile

Few rugby league careers take a player from Auckland to the Gold Coast, through the NRL, and then across the world to the south of France. Jesse Arthars is about to make that journey. This article tracks his path from the Brisbane Broncos to the Catalans Dragons, the reasons behind his departure, and what the move means for his professional future.

Age: 27 (born 8 July 1998) ·
Place of Birth: Auckland, New Zealand ·
NRL Club (2025-2026): Brisbane Broncos ·
Position: Winger, Centre, Fullback ·
Move in 2027: Catalans Dragons (Super League) ·
Instagram Followers: 110K

The table below compiles key biographical and career facts for Jesse Arthars.

What happened to Jesse Arthars?

Jesse Arthars departs Brisbane Broncos

• The Brisbane Broncos confirmed that Arthars would leave the club at the end of the 2026 season (Fox Sports Australia).
• He had re-signed with Brisbane on 4 April 2023 for a further three seasons, keeping him at the club until the end of 2026 (Sporting News Australia).
• By mid-June 2026, Arthars was reported to be off contract at the end of the campaign (TotalRL).

The pattern is clear: Brisbane chose not to extend his stay beyond the 2026 season, opening the door for a move overseas. The implication: Arthars became a free agent at a time when the Broncos were reshaping their backline.

Catalans Dragons sign Jesse Arthars for 2027

• Catalans Dragons announced the signing of Arthars from the 2027 season (ActuLocale365 / L’Indépendant aggregation).
• The deal is a two-season contract (Zero Tackle).
• Serious About Rugby League reported the announcement on 18 June 2026 (Serious About Rugby League).

What this means: after a failed return to the Gold Coast Titans, Arthars locked in a two-year commitment in France — a decision that gives him stability and a fresh start.

Where is Jesse Arthars going in 2027?

Moving to the Super League

• Arthars will join the Catalans Dragons, based in Perpignan, France (Serious About Rugby League).
• He will relocate from Brisbane to Perpignan for the 2027 season.
• Before the Catalans deal, a move to the Gold Coast Titans was reportedly worth more than $600,000 but fell through after Arthars missed a deadline to sign (All Out Rugby League).

Three options, one outcome: the Titans offer collapsed, and Catalans became the primary overseas destination (Sporting News Australia).

Catalans Dragons contract details

• The contract is for two seasons, starting in 2027 (Zero Tackle).
• Catalans announced the signing on 18 June 2026 (Serious About Rugby League).
• Arthars will be available for the entire 2027 Super League season.

The catch: moving to a new league means adapting to a different style of play and living in a new country. For a player who has spent his entire professional career in Australia, this is a significant cultural shift.

Why did Jesse Arthars get dropped from the Broncos?

Performance and competition for spots

• Arthars was not a regular starter in the Broncos’ first-choice lineup due to competition from other backs (Wikipedia).
• He often played as a backup winger or centre when injuries occurred.
• Brisbane’s backline depth – including players like Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo, and Corey Oates – limited his opportunities.

Why this matters: consistent selection in an NRL team depends on both form and fit. Arthars found himself in a squad with established stars, making it hard to lock down a starting spot.

Injury and form issues

• Arthars dealt with injuries that interrupted his momentum (Sporting News Australia).
• His form fluctuated, leading to being dropped from the first team on occasion.
• The Broncos’ coaching staff reportedly preferred other players in the backline during critical matches.

The pattern: a combination of fierce competition and occasional lapses in form meant Arthars never became a permanent fixture in the Broncos’ 17. For a player seeking regular game time, a move to Super League offers a fresh start.

Timeline

The following timeline chronicles key dates in Jesse Arthars’ career.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Arthars was born in Auckland, New Zealand on 8 July 1998 (Wikipedia).
• He moved to the Gold Coast at age 11.
• He played for the Gold Coast Titans (2017-2020) and Brisbane Broncos (2021-2026) (Wikipedia).
• He will join the Catalans Dragons in 2027 on a 2-year contract (Zero Tackle).
• He is 27 years old as of 2025.
• His height is 1.86 m and weight is 96 kg (Wikipedia).

What’s unclear

• Exact reasons for being dropped from the Broncos’ first team on specific occasions.
• His current relationship status (single/wife).
• Details about his parents’ specific occupations or names.
• Whether he has played for the New Zealand national team (he has not yet been capped).

Quotes

“We can confirm Jesse Arthars will leave the club at the end of the 2026 season. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best.”

— Brisbane Broncos official statement, as reported by Fox Sports Australia

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Jesse Arthars for the 2027 season. He is a player of high quality who will bring NRL experience to our squad.”

— Catalans Dragons official announcement, as reported by Serious About Rugby League

For the Brisbane Broncos, the decision to let Arthars go reflects a squad that has depth in the outside backs. For the Catalans Dragons, acquiring a 27-year-old NRL-experienced winger/centre is a strategic move to strengthen their backline for the Super League campaign. The trade-off is clear: Arthars gives up the chance to fight for a starting spot in the NRL, but gains a guaranteed role and a new lifestyle in France.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Xavier Willison: Height, Heritage, Contract, and NRL Career
• Jack De Belin: Why He Was Dropped, Dragons Exit & 2026 Team