Garcia to leave Catalans for Penrith

Catalans Dragons have confirmed that Ben Garcia will leave the club at the end of the season, to go and join Penrith Panthers in the NRL.

The 22-year-old, who has made 34 appearances and scored 9 tries since his Super League debut at the end of the 2013 campaign, has previously spent time in Australia at Brisbane Broncos.

“To go back to Australia and play in the NRL has always been an ambition for me,” he said.

“I had the opportunity this year with Penrith and I wanted to grab it with both hands.

“I know I need to keep working hard to improve, I’m still young, but it’s a great reward for all the efforts I have done while I have been with the Dragons.

“I would like to thank the club and the fans for all their support.”

Dragons CEO Christophe Jouffret added: “Ben has been one of our priorities for the future , not only for his on field performance but also for his professional behaviour off it.

“We allowed him to become a Super League player after his first experience in Queensland with the Brisbane Broncos U20’s.

“We negotiated with Ben and his agent over the past three months and it’s a big loss to us to see him leaving the club.

“We wish him all the best in his new challenge with Penrith in the NRL.”