Catalans Dragons can confirm that Zeb Taia has been released from his contract to join the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL at the end of the 2015 season. 

The Catalans back rower, who was under contract until the end of the 2017, will leave the club to return home at the end of the season.

“I’m happy to come back home to Australia and play in the NRL again. It might be a shock for a lot of people in Perpignan but it’s an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. Heading back to the NRL to be close to my family, was the main reason behind my decision. I would like to thank all the fans. They have all been really good to me since my arrival. I have played my best footy in the Catalans jersey and I hope that I can come back to the club in the future. I would also like to thank Bernard Guasch, Christophe Jouffret, Laurent Frayssinous and the club for being understanding and allowing me the opportunity to return to the NRL. “

Taia, 30, has made 70 Super League appearances and scored 33 tries since joining the club in 2013.

The 2014 Dragons Player of the Year is one of the best players at this position in the competition.

Lauent Frayssinous commented: “I’m obviously disappointed not to keep Zeb in the team for the next two years. It's a big loss for the club but also for the competition. He became one of the best players in the Super League during his time at the club and I wish him the same success with his new club in the NRL. I also wish him, his wife Nikki and his daughters Zali et Haven all the best for the future.”

Catalans Dragons CEO Christope Jouffret said: “It’s always disappointing to lose a player of Zeb’s calibre. He was, until his injury, tipped for the 2015 Man of Steel title. But the policy of our club is to respect the personal choices of our players and these are the reasons why we granted Zeb a release. He explained us his desire to return home for family reasons and then received an offer from the Titans. After long discussions with the club, we have reached to find an agreement with the Gold Coast Titans for the signing of Dave Taylor. Zeb will remain among the great players who have made their mark in the club's history. We wish him the greatest success in his new challenge in the NRL and all the best to his family.”