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| Ryles leaves as Johnson arrives | |
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| Topic Started: Nov 17 2009, 08:13 AM (116 Views) | |
| leedswarrior | Nov 17 2009, 08:13 AM Post #1 |
International Senior
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Catalans Dragons have confirmed the departure of former Australia Test prop Jason Ryles just 12 months into a three-year contract but have offset the blow with the capture of Melbourne Storm back rower Dallas Johnson. Twenty-nine-year-old Ryles, who was released from the last two years of his contract with St George Illawarra to enable him to join the French club 12 months ago, has asked to leave for personal reasons and is expected to sign for Sydney Roosters. The former Kangaroos forward had an injury-disrupted start to his engage Super League career but came good in the second half of the season and played in the Dragons’ last 15 matches as they reached the play-off semi-finals. Johnson, 26, had two years left on his contract with the NRL champions but has been released due to salary-cap constraints and has signed a three-year deal with the Dragons. He is a potential replacement for skipper Greg Bird, who is currently answering an assault charge in Sydney and will later this month appeal against a jail sentence for wounding. “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. “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 has played in the last four NRL Grand Finals and has been a member of the Queensland team which has won four consecutive State of Origin titles. He has made 151 appearances in the NRL and is revered for his defence, with an average of 40 tackles a game. Johnson, who is credited with the world record after making 62 tackles during a State of Origin game, said: “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.” Johnson, who played for the Kangaroos in the centenary Test against New Zealand in 2007, is due to arrive in the south of France in early December for the start of pre-season training. Catalans coach Kevin Walters said: “Dallas is a champion player who will bring a lot to our team, especially thanks to his exceptional defensive skills. “He is a natural leader and is exactly the type of player the Dragons need to keep improving year after year. I am sure our supporters and sponsors will love Dallas’ attitude and commitment to the club both on and off the field.” Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy described Johnson as the toughest rugby league player he had seen. “For a guy his size, to do what he does on the field week after week is simply incredible,” said Bellamy. “He’s the toughest player I have ever seen and he will be missed by all.” http://www.superleague.co.uk/article.php?id=15939 |
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1:01 PM Feb 23