Super League: Remi Casty leaves Sydney Roosters to return to Catalan Dragons
Tuesday 30 September 2014 09:19, UK
France international Remi Casty has cut short his stay with Sydney Roosters to pen a four-year deal with Catalan Dragons.
The 29-year-old left Perpignan to join former Dragons coach Trent Robinson in Australia following the 2013 World Cup, but the lure of a long-term contract has seen him make a return to Catalan after just a year in the NRL.
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Catalan reached an agreement with the Roosters to secure an early release from Casty’s two-year contract, meaning their former captain will be able to play in the club's 10th Super League campaign.
"It was a tough decision to leave the NRL, but I couldn't refuse the contract offered by the Dragons," said Casty, who has won 19 international caps.
"The club has great ambitions for next year, the 10th season of the Dragons in the Super League, and it's great to be back and to be a part of that.
"To play in the NRL is something I've always wanted to do since I started playing rugby, but I also always dreamed to lift a trophy with the Dragons.
"I'm really proud to come back in my club. The Dragons are playing really well in the playoffs and I hope they can reach their first Super League Grand Final. I'll be their first fan on Thursday night."
Satisfied
Casty made 155 Super League appearances during his first stint with the Dragons, earning a place in the 2012 Dream Team, but has featured just nine times for the Roosters in 2014.
Catalan head coach Laurent Frayssinous, who is busy preparing his side for a showdown with St Helens on Thursday for a place in the Super League Grand Final, said: "I'm really satisfied to sign Remi Casty.
To play in the NRL is something I've always wanted to do since I started playing rugby, but I also always dreamed to lift a trophy with the Dragons.
"He will bring us his on-field qualities and his leadership and charisma both on and off the field.
“He played in one of the best teams in the world this season and he will share his experience with the team."
Casty is set to become Catalans' third new recruit from the NRL; centre Willie Tonga has joined from Parramatta and the club are awaiting go-ahead to register former Cronulla stand-off Todd Carney.
The Rugby Football League's board met on Monday night to discuss their stance on Carney, who has had contracts terminated due to indiscipline on more than one occasion, and are expected to announce the result of their deliberations on Tuesday.
