NRL: Sam Moa leaves NRL to join Super League side Catalans

Kiwis international front-rower Sam Moa will exit the NRL to join Super League club Catalans. Photo / Photosport.

NRL premiership-winning prop Sam Moa has signed for Super League side Catalans Dragons, ending a successful four-year stint with the Sydney Roosters.

The former New Zealand international was something of a low-key arrival when he joined the Roosters from Hull FC in 2013, but become a cornerstone of a powerful forward pack as Trent Robinson's side secured a first grand final victory for the club in over a decade in addition to three successive minor premierships.

However, during the 2016 campaign, like the rest of his team, Moa struggled for form in a bitterly disappointing season that saw the club opt against renewing his contract.

In a campaign that saw the Roosters only finish in front of a Newcastle side that won once all season on the NRL table, Moa's services were deemed surplus to requirements as Robinson looks to rebuild his squad.

But Moa insists he is excited about the prospect of living in Perpignan where he will line up alongside Kiwi international teammates Kristin Inu and Justin Horo.

"I am very excited and proud to join the Catalans team," Moa told the Catalans website.

"After careful consideration, my family and I are pleased to call Perpignan our new home and we look forward to experiencing the French culture and lifestyle. Having done some travelling through France previously, we know we have a lot to look forward to.

"I am very much looking forward to playing the best football I can for the team and contributing to creating a positive culture at the club. It is an exciting time ahead and I thank the club for giving me and my family the opportunity to be a part of it."

Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous said: "I'm delighted to sign a player of Sam's calibre.

He is considered by his former coaches and by his opponents as a tough player on the field and is exemplary off the field.

"He is extremely motivated to bring his experience here and to help the club to build a competitive team on and off the field."

- AAP