Dylan Napa feeling at ‘home’ with Catalans
Dylan Napa says he feels at home at new club Catalans as his side prepare for their Super League opener against St Helens.
The Australian prop arrived in Perpignan on a two-year deal with the Dragons during the off-season from the NRL, with the option of a third.
Napa lands with a successful CV in the NRL. He made his debut with the Sydney Roosters in 2013, before going on to join Canterbury Bulldogs in 2019.
The former Queensland representative has won the NRL Premiership title twice and the Minor Premiership on four occasions. He also won the World Club Challenge in 2014.
Now, he makes the move to Super League and has fit right in at his new club.
“I feel at home,” he told Catalans Dragons.
“The relationships I’ve had with Steve McNamara in the past and Sam Moa, I’ve had really strong relationships with them.
“They’ve been so welcoming since I’ve been here. As for the team they’ve been unreal for myself.
“I know they’ve been awesome for Tyrone (May) and Mitchell (Pearce) as well. I feel right at home and I can’t thank the guys enough for taking me in.”
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Napa has been named at starting prop for Catalans in their opening game at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Pearce will make his official debut in the halves, while May has been named on the bench.
Napa continued: “Coming into a new team, my first goal is to earn respect from fellow team-mates and the coaching staff.
“That’s my main goal. Earning their respect and that comes from in and around training and how I conduct myself and how I play on the weekends. Just being the best person I can be on the field and away from the field.
“I’ve played in England before, but I haven’t been to France before. Everything is new. I don’t know what’s around the next corner.
“It’s very out of my comfort zone, but it’s a challenge I’m loving. I’m really excited. I feel really lucky that such a team wanted me to come here and be involved in the club.
“I really can’t thank the club enough.”
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