Catalans confirm Aiton signing

Catalans Dragons have confirmed that Paul Aiton will be joining them in 2016 from Leeds Rhinos.

Leeds yesterday revealed that the player was leaving Headingley, with his destination the South of France.

Today, the Perpignan outfit have confirmed that the Papua New Guinea international hooker has inked a three-year deal with the club, which begins ahead of the 2016 season.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of joining Catalans and a new lifestyle in Perpignan,” said Aiton.

“I will always be honoured to have played for Leeds Rhinos but the opportunity to move to France from next season and be part of the Dragons was something that excited me at this stage in my career.

“Now that my future is sorted, my sole focus is on finishing this season in the best possible fashion and hopefully helping the Rhinos make more history.”

Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous is pleased that the 30-year-old will be at his club for the 2016 campaign.

“I’m delighted that Paul has chosen to join us from next season,” he said.

“He will bring his experience, his qualities in attack and his attitude in defense. With a player like Ian Henderson leaving the club at the end of the season, it was important for us to replace him by a player of Paul’s calibre.

“He has become one of the players in Super League that sets the benchmark in his position.”