Catalans Dragons have announced the signing of Paul Aiton from Leeds Rhinos on a three-year contract starting from next season.
Aiton and Leeds announced yesterday that he would be leaving the Rhinos at the end of the season, and the PNG international will head to Perpignan admitting he is keen to finish his time at Leeds on a high.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of joining Catalans and a new lifestyle in Perpignan,” said Aiton.
“I will always be honoured to have played for Leeds Rhinos but the opportunity to move to France from next season and be part of the Dragons was something that excited me at this stage in my career.
“Now that my future is sorted, my sole focus is on finishing this season in the best possible fashion and hopefully helping the Rhinos make more history.”
Aiton, 30, started his career at Penrith in 2006 where he spent three seasons, making 72 appearances and scoring eight tries. In 2010, he joined Cronulla where he made 36 apperances.
Catalans Dragons head coach Laurent Frayssinous said: “I’m delighted that Paul has chosen to join us from next season. He will bring his experience, his qualities in attack and his attitude in defense. With a player like Ian Henderson leaving the club at the end of the season, it was important for us to replace him by a player of Paul’s calibre.
“He has become one of the players in Super League that sets the benchmark in his position.”