Catalan move for Knights forward

Catalan have signed Newcastle back-rower Zeb Taia on a three-year deal starting next season.

Taia, 27, has played 94 games in the NRL, and links up once again with Dragons coach Trent Robinson, who was previously assistant coach with the Knights.

He said: “I am very pleased to join the Dragons for the next 3 seasons. I have heard wonderful things about Perpignan and the Catalan Dragons. My wife Nikki and I are looking forward to the challenge and what ever lies ahead. The decision was easy in the end to join Catalan Dragons because of my time spent under Trent Robinson at the Knights when he was assistant to Brian Smith. Really looking forward to linking up with Robbo again.

“Hopefully I can establish myself as one of Super League good back rowers and achieve some goals in France by winning a Challenge Cup trophy and a Super League title.”

Taia made his NRL debut in 2006 with Parramatta before joining Newcastle and has scored 14 tries in 94 games.

Robinson added: “I am very happy to have Zeb with us for the next 3 years. He is the player that I have enjoyed to work with and continue to enjoy watching play. His style is aggressive and scarful which is attractive for the Catalan Dragons.”