Catalans Dragons have signed Willie Tonga on a two-year deal from the start of the 2015 season.
The 30-year-old Queensland and Kangaroos representative, who is currently playing at Parramatta Eels, has made 179 NRL appearances and scored 79 tries.
“I’m really satisfied to be able to announce the addition of Willie to our squad for the next two seasons,” coach Laurent Frayssinous said.
“He is a world class player who will add power, pace and skills in our backline who is outstanding this season so far.”
“Willie has played at the very highest level in the NRL, in State of Origin and for his Country and he will bring his experience to the the squad.”
Tonga started his career at Parramatta in 2002 before returning to the club he debuted in 2012. He also played for the Canterbury Bulldogs, with whom he won the 2004 NRL Premiership and the North Queensland Cowboys.
Tonga has represented Queensland on 8 occasions in State of Origin, scoring 3 tries and has also scored 8 tries in 12 Test matches for Australia.
“Willie Tonga is a marquee signing for us. When a player of Willie’s calibre decides to join us, it’s a strong sign to show everyone our ambition,” CEO Christophe Jouffret said.
“Willie has all the qualities we are looking for both on and off the field and his experience will prove invaluable to the young players who are coming through at the club. It is a great opportunity for them to continue their learning under one of the best centres in the game.”
“We started the discussions with Willie a long time ago and it has been a pleasure to find an agreement with his agent Isaac Moses with who we have excellent relations.”
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