Abdull revitalised by Catalans switch after sniping criticism over injury hell
Jordan Abdull admits sniping criticism about his injury record created self-doubt but a shock Catalans move has already revitalised him.
The classy Hull KR stand-off, 27, completed a surprise season-long loan switch to the Dragons a fortnight ago.
There’s no doubting his talent; Abdull topped the Man of Steel leaderboard in last year’s early rounds and won his solitary England cap in 2021, ironically in Perpignan.
But he managed just 14 games last term due to quad and hamstring issues and averaged only 13 per season over the last four years at Craven Park.
In his first interview since joining Catalans, Abdull conceded: “The last two years - maybe three - have been incredibly frustrating with injuries and being up and down in form.
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“Honestly, it gets so frustrating. You try not to listen to the outside noise from fans and even journalists. You try not to let it bother you but it is there.
“You almost begin to believe it yourself that maybe you are one injury away from being done or you’re not fit to do a full season.
“But now I’ve made the decision to do this move to Catalans, it is only going to be good for me.
Jordan Abdull in training with Catalans (Catalans Dragons)“It’s a fresh start and a completely different way of living to the one I’m used to.”
However, Catalans have reached the Super League Grand Final in two of the last three years and he faces a battle for a place.
Steve McNamara had already signed France star Theo Fages and Melbourne Storm’s Jayden Nikorima as a new-look half-back partnership for 2024.
Abdull in action for Rovers last season (PA)But Hull-born Abdull’s ready for the fight and said: “They have a good track record of having key players on the field and that’s what I need. I’m at that point in my career - in life - where I’m fed up of saying ‘I want to be injury-free.’
“It’s about doing things I know can help and getting away from the stresses of being in the same place for such a long time.
“That’s not Hull KR but living in Hull and being around the same environment and people; after a while things do become stale. “You need a different trigger just to try and bring out the best in you. There’s no better challenge than moving to the south of France and learning a new language. It’s refreshing for the mind and a healthy distraction from all the outside noise you definitely get in Hull.”
Abdull, who only signed a three-year deal with the Robins in June, admits it’s been the “strangest” pre-season of his career.
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On discussions with KR boss Willie Peters, he said: “It [moving] was never something that was in my mind but we sat down - as friends more than player and coach - and said if I was to take this opportunity what would your first instincts be?
“It was an opportunity to move to a different country, experience a different lifestyle and have a change. Now I’m here I’m really excited.”
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