Super League grand final runners-up Catalans Dragons have continued their spending spree in Australia, following up their capture of Mitchell Pearce with the signature of his former Sydney Roosters teammate Dylan Napa.
Prop forward Napa, who turned 29 earlier this month, was a free agent after failing to receive a new offer from Canterbury Bulldogs and has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third year in the south of France.
Both men were coached by Catalans boss Steve McNamara during his time with the Roosters and he is delighted with his latest capture.
"Having worked closely with Dylan at the Roosters, I know first-hand the impact he can have in this competition," McNamara said on Wednesday.
"I spoke many times with him throughout the negotiations and his will, desire and enthusiasm to get back to his best form was overwhelming.
"He is at a great age for a front-rower, a grand final winner who will be a great addition to our club."
Napa made 124 appearances for the Roosters, winning the Premiership title in 2013 and 2018, before joining the Bulldogs in 2019 and making 54 appearances for them.
He has represented Queensland on seven occasions, winning the State of Origin series in 2017 and played for the Cook Islands in the 2013 World Cup.
Napa said: "I'm very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Catalans organisation.
"To see the progress the club has made in the past years is an environment I want to grow as a player but just as importantly as a person.
"I have a great relationship with Steve McNamara from my time at the Roosters and can't wait to get over to France, put in the work and earn respect from my team-mates and coaching staff."
The deal comes nine days after the Dragons confirmed the signing of 32-year-old playmaker Pearce, who has signed a two-year deal, with the option of a third, as, effectively, a straight replacement for fellow Aussie James Maloney, who retired after the grand final.
Newcastle Knights agreed to Pearce's request for a release from the final year of his contract to enable him to make the move to France.
Australian Associated Press
