Catalans Dragon complete Willie Mason signing

Catalans Dragons have announced the signing of former Australia international Willie Mason on a one-year deal.

Prop Mason comes with vast experience, following a long NRL career with Canterbury Bulldogs, Sydney Roosters, North Queensland, Newcastle Knights and most recently Manly Sea Eagles, while also representing New South Wales in State of Origin.

The 35-year-old now returns for a second spell in the Super League, following an unsuccessful stint at Hull KR in 2011.

Catalans head coach Laurent Frayssinous said in a statement: "I have never hidden from the fact that I wanted to strengthen our pack. Negotiations with Willie have been long, as in one hand, we had to settle his administrative situation and in the other, find a financial agreement.

"We always set a rule to not spend the money that we do not have and we had to find a compromise with Willie and his agent. Willie is a player who knows the job a prop has to do.

"He is a physical and aggressive player, both in attack and in defence and we have spoken a lot about the quality of our group and he is really excited to join the club."

Catalans have suffered a disappointing start to their campaign, losing 12-6 to Wigan Warriors before a 38-10 hammering from Hull FC on Saturday.