Croker heads for Catalans

Catalans Dragons have landed a coup with the signing of Canberra Raiders star and former Australia international Jason Croker.

The 33-year-old utility player will join the Dragons next season and take the overseas quota space of the departing Ian Hindmarsh. Croker, who has agreed a two-year deal, carries a wealth of experience and holds the Raiders records for most tries with 120 and appearances with 314.

Dragons coach Mick Potter said: "This is an excellent signing for us. Jason is a real professional both on and off the field and he has shown this during his negotiations with the club."

He added: "He is an extremely consistent player who knows the rigours of hard rugby league week-in, week-out.

"His current coach Matthew Elliot rates him as being in the top three performers for the Raiders every week.

"He is a very determined person who wants to do his best every time he steps onto the field and I think he will be great for us."

Croker will join fellow new recruits Adam Mogg, Clint Greenshields and Casey McGuire with the Perpignan club next season. He is due to arrive for the start of pre-season training in November.

Catalans recently played down reports their deal to sign Mogg, another Canberra player, had fallen through.