Catalans Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Antoni Maria on a two-year contract.

The French International, 30, is returning to the club after having spent last season at Leigh.

On returning to the club, the French prop said: “I’m really happy to come back to the Dragons. I had a long chat with Steve McNamara before making my decision and I really liked his speech. I feel he is taking the club in the right direction and I really want to be a part of it from next season. My season at Leigh helped me to gain experience and maturity. I would like to thank the club for giving me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to being back at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium to start the preseason once the World Cup will be over.”

Maria arrived at the Dragons in 2012 and made 36 Super League appearances before moving to Leigh at the end of the 2016 season.

He has been a key player of the Centurions’ pack before being injured and sidelined for months. He came back stronger and produced some great performances in the Super8’s, scoring 2 tries and winning Man of the match awards.

Steve McNamara said: “I'm really pleased that Antoni is returning to the club after one season away. He will add quality and depth to our pack and increase much needed competition for places within the team. I personally feel it's very important for us that we nurture, retain and recruit our French players. Our club has always been at its strongest when it's had a  strong core group of home grown players and the signing of Antoni helps us move in that direction.”

Antoni Maria Profile

Date of Birth: 21 March 1987
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 100 kg
Position: Prop
Previous Clubs: Toulouse Olympique, Catalans Dragons, Leigh Centurions
NRL Debut: v Castleford Tigers, 2/09/2012
Club Stats: Dragons (2012-2016): 36 appearances | Leigh (2017): 15 appearances, 2 tries