Catalans Dragons have extended the loan of Hull FC hooker Denive Balmforth, with the player making a ‘strong impression’ over the channel. The 21-year-old originally joined the Perpignan-based outfit for a month, with the club now confirming that the dummy-half will stay at the Dragons for the rest of the 2025 season.
Balmforth has played four games for Catalans so far, scoring two tries against Warrington Wolves earlier this month. He is now set to play out their final eight games of the year, with Hull deciding against a recall last week due to Amir Bourouh’s absence.
Ultimately, with Bourouh expected to return to the Hull side against Huddersfield Giants this week, the decision, as explained by head coach John Cartwright, was taken not to interrupt Balmforth’s flow for one game, with the Leeds-born talent gaining valuable Super League experience in the South of France.
Balmforth signed a new three-year deal at Hull at the start of the year, one that runs until the end of the 2028 season. He has played nine times for the Black and Whites this year, scoring one try.
Meanwhile, Catalans’s statement said: “Catalans Dragons and Hull FC have reached an agreement to extend Denive Balmforth’s loan until the end of the season.
“The 21-year-old hooker initially joined the club on a one-month loan deal in June and has made a strong impression since making his debut for the Dragons. He has made four appearances for the club so far, scoring a brace against Warrington.”