CATALANS DRAGONS have signed St George Illawarra Dragons forward Luciano Leilua on a three-year deal from 2027.
The 30-year-old second-row, who has almost 200 NRL appearances to his name, has penned a deal with the Perpignan club until the end of 2029.
Leilua had been linked with a move to reigning NRL premiers Brisbane Broncos, having been told that the Dragons would not renew his contract past this season.
But he instead becomes the latest St George Illawarra player to switch to Super League, joining incoming Castleford Tigers trio Damien Cook, Mat Feagai and Tyrell Sloan plus Emre Guler, who has made an immediate move to Wakefield Trinity.
“I am very excited to join this great club and its history,” enthused the Samoan international, who made his Dragons debut in 2016 before returning to the club in 2024 after spells with Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys.
“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and everyone who makes the club what it is.
“My family and I are eager to arrive in the south of France and enjoy everything the club has to offer.”
And head coach John Cartwright believes there is plenty more to come from the forward, known for his power and explosiveness.
“Luciano is a powerful and experienced second-row forward who still has his best years ahead of him,” said Cartwright.
“For a player of his size, he has very good footwork and the ability to keep the ball alive after contact.”