Mathias Pala signs with Leigh Centurions until the end of 2016

Mathias Pala has signed with Leigh Centurions, leaving the Catalans Dragons with immediate effect.

The French international, who joins Leigh on a contract until the end of 2016, said his decision was based on the pursuit of more playing time.

“I’m really happy to have this opportunity to join Leigh,” Mathias said.

“When you are a professional player, you want to play every weekend and that’s why I decide to move."

Pala made his Super League debut for the Dragons in 2011 but made just 29 appearances for the club, scoring four tries.

Catalans head coach Laurent Frayssinous said the club respected his decision to leave the club in pursuit of more regular playing opportunities.

Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont said Pala would alleviate the impact of Michael Platt's injury-forced absence.

“Mathias is very strong with good feet and is proven at Super League and international level so is a positive addition to our family,” Beaumout told the Centurions website.

“Losing Michael Platt at this stage with an operation needed on his knee is an obvious blow and Mathias neutralises that initial loss and in the longer term on Platty’s return to fitness gives us more strength in depth.

“I am really looking forward to welcoming Mathias and ensuring he settles in with us quickly to put himself in contention for our next home game against Sheffield.”