New Catalan deal for Pala

Mathias Pala has been boosted by the news of a new one-year deal at Catalan, in the week he was forced to withdraw from the World Cup through injury.

Pala, 24, was named in Richard Agar’s initial 24-man squad but a shoulder injury put paid to his hopes of playing in the tournament.

He has done enough in 2013 to earn a new deal with the Dragons, which includes an option for the 2015 season.

Catalan CEO Christophe Jouffret said: “He is one of the young talents coming through at the club. He went one step further this season and we’re really confident that he will be a great player for our club in the future.”

The centre scored three tries in 12 Super League appearances last season.