Catalan snap up St George-Illawara halfback

Catalan Dragons have confirmed the signing of halfback Sam Williams from St George-Illawarra of the NRL. He joins for the rest of the 2014 season.

The former Junior Kangaroo won a ‘Rookie of the Year’ award in 2011, when playing for the Canberra Raiders. He has also been a part of the NSW Country Origin and NSW Cup Residents squads last year.

He has made only four appearances for St George-Illawarra this season, with the NRL Dragons having also signed Benji Marshall in recent weeks. He did score eight tries in 42 games while at Canberra.

“We were looking for another player to be able to do rotations and to create a good healthy competition in our halves,” Catalan coach Laurent Frayssinous explained.

“Sam was looking for an opportunity, he is a talented and ambitious young player, and will fit in well to our style of play.”

Christophe Jouffret, Catalan Dragons CEO, added: “We have a tough end of season with big games at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium and we are still on course to reach our objective of being qualified for the playoffs.

“Sam will boost our squad in this crucial period and he will bring his experience to our group. We are delighted to sign him.”