Catalans Dragons have confirmed that Scott Dureau will return home to his native Australia at the end of this season, bringing the curtain down on a five-year association with the club.
“After five years here, I’ve made a decision for me and my family to return home,” said Dureau. “It has been a great five years with the Dragons but I think the time his right to go back to Australia, and to the NRL.
“Living and playing in France has been a great experience and is something I will never forget. I have made a lot great memories and some lifelong friends.
“I would like to thank the fans for their support over the last five years, and also my team-mates and the staff at the club. Thank you for everything.”
Since joining the club in 2011, Dureau has made 80 Super League appearances and scored 27 tries and 694 points.
He was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2011 and 2012, and in 2012 was the first Catalans player to win the Albert Goldthorpe Medal.
Chairman, Bernard Guasch thanked Dureau for his services to the Catalans Dragons during his time at the club: “I understand that after five years being away from home and their families, Scott and his wife want to return to Australia,” he said.
“Scott will remain one of the great players to have made their mark in our club’s history. The best Dragons’ games have been played with him on the field. He has been a great servant to the Catalans Dragons and a great guy to have at the club.
“He showed a lot of courage also, in striving to come back to his very best after his health problems.
“We wish Scott all the best for the future. He will be always be welcome in the South of France.”
The Dragons head coach, Laurent Frayssinous also commented: “I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the club over the past five seasons. He has been an absolute pleasure to coach and has always given his best to help the club, both on and off the field.
“It is no coincidence that the team has reached the end of season play-offs in every season since Scott arrived at the club.
“We wish him and his wife Libby all the best, and we will do everything to give Scott the best ending to his career with Catalans Dragons.”
