Dragons swoop for Johnson

Exit of Australia prop Ryles opens the door for Storm star

Last updated: 12th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Dragons swoop for Johnson

Johnson: Joining Catalans

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Catalans Dragons have offset the loss of Jason Ryles by signing Melbourne Storm back rower Dallas Johnson.

Ryles has left the Dragons just 12 months into a three-year deal to return to Australia - with Sydney Roosters believed to be keen on signing the international prop.

After an injury-hit start to his life in France, Ryles had played a key role in see the Catalans reach the play-off semi-finals.

Ryles will be replaced in the Dragons squad by 26-year-old Johnson, who has been released from the final two years of his deal with NRL champions Melbourne to move to the Super League.

"Following the release of Jason Ryles for personal reasons and with the Greg Bird case not yet finalised, we have searched globally for a high quality forward," said Catalans general manager Christophe Levy.

Talented

"It has been a long negotiation and a hard decision for Dallas, who had two more years left on his contract with the Storm, but to secure the services of such a young and talented player for the next three years means a lot for the Catalans Dragons."

Johnson will arrive in France having played in the last four NRL Grand Finals and been part of the Queensland squad which has won four consecutive State of Origin titles.

And the tough tackling forward is relishing the new challenge, saying: "I have always wanted to play in Super League and I could think of no better club to do it at than Catalans.

"After winning the NRL and the State of Origin, I want to win the Super League. They were not far from the Grand Final last year and I am certain with the quality of the players we have in this squad we can do even better."