Catalans Dragons have agreed long-term contracts with young rising stars Lucas Albert and Fouad Yaha.

Both players are products of the Catalans Dragons Academy system and today signed their first full-time contracts.

Fouad Yaha and Lucas Albert signed 3 year and 5 year deals respectively.

Yaha, 18, made his Super League debut in April against Hull KR. The former Avignon winger made 9 consecutive Super League appearances and scored 3 tries before being sidelined for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury. “I’m really happy to have signed my first contract with the Dragons. I feel really good here, it’s a great club and I hope to stay here as long as I can. Everything has gone really fast for me this season. I’ve worked really hard and I’m proud to have earned the confidence of the club.”

Albert, 17, became this season the youngest player in the club’s history to play in Super League, breaking Fouad Yaha's record. The young half back has made two Super League appearances. “It’s a dream come true and it’s above all the reward for all the efforts done. I’m really proud to commit with the Dragons. To train with the Dragons, make my Super League debut and sign a full time contract were my objectives when I decided to join the club's Academy and I have managed to achieve all of them in my first season at the club. But I don’t want to stop here and I know I need to keep working hard.”

Bernard Guasch, the Catalans Dragons Chairman, said : “It’s an important moment for the club. I’m delighted that Lucas and Fouad have signed their first professional contracts and decided to stay with us on long-term period. It’s a great reward for all the efforts that have gone on this season in our Youth development system. The club is moving forward and we will continue to develop our Academy system in the years to come. We know we need to produce more homegrown players in the future and we look forward to seeing more young French players coming through in the seasons to come. Fouad and Lucas are an example for all the young players who want to become professional rugby league players.”