Catalans confirm four player departures

Catalans have confirmed that Greg Bird, Jodie Broughton, Kenny Edwards and Tony Gigot will leave at the end of the season.

Bird, 35, will hang up his boots following the game at Huddersfield on Friday night, while winger Broughton has already agreed a deal to join Championship side Halifax.

France international Gigot, who has scored 298 points in 130 Super League appearances for the Dragons, is a high-profile departure and has been linked with a move to NRL club St George-Illawarra.

Back-rower Edwards joined in the middle of 2018 and has scored 10 tries in 32 games.

Coach Steve McNamara said: “Tony will go down in history as the first ever French player to win the Lance Todd Trophy for his performance in the Challenge Cup Final. His performance in that game has inspired many young French players to chase their dream and follow in his footsteps.

“Greg retires from the sport having made Perpignan his second home away from Australia. He made a promise in 2009 to return to the club and stayed true to that promise. He has made a massive contribution to rugby league on both sides of the world during his illustrious career.

“Kenny joined us midway through 2018 and his impact on the team’s performance was immediate. He played a huge role in our fight to make the top 8 and was hugely influential in our Challenge Cup success.

“Jodie’s time at the Dragons has unfortunately been disrupted by injuries. But his contribution and positive impact on our club should not be underestimated. He is very popular within all parts of our organisation and has been a role model for all.”

“I would sincerely like to thank all four players for their contribution to the Catalans Dragons. It’s been a great pleasure to work with all of them and I wish them all the best in their future careers.”