Scott Dureau to leave Dragons and return to NRL

Catalans Dragons have revealed that Australian half-back Scott Dureau is to leave the club at the end of the current season.

Dureau joined the Catalans in 2011, and has made 80 Super League appearances in his time in Perpignan, scoring 27 tries.

“After five years here, I’ve made a decision for me and my family to return home,” he said.

“It’s been a great five years with the Dragons but I think the time his right to go back to Australia and to the NRL.

“It has been a great experience in France and it is something I will never forget.

“I have made a lot great memories and I’ve made some lifelong friends.

“I would like to thank the fans for their support over the last five years but also my team-mates and the staff at the club. Thank you for everything.”

Dragons head coach Laurent Frayssinous acknowledged just how influential a player Dureau had been for the club.

“I would like to thank Scott for his contribution to the club over the past five seasons,” he said.

“He’s been an absolute pleasure to coach.

“He has always given his best to help the club, both on and off the field.

“It is no coincidence that the team has reached the end of season playoffs in every season since he arrived at the club.

“I wish him and his wife Libby all the best and we will do everything to give him the best ending to his career at the club.”

Club chairman Bernard Guasch also thanked Dureau, who was the first Catalans player to win the Albert Goldthorpe Medal in 2012, for everything he had done for the Dragons.

“I understand that after five years being away from home and their families, that Scott and his wife want to return in Australia.

“He will remain among the great players who have made their mark in the club’s history.

“The best Dragons games have been played with Scott on the field.

“He has been a great servant to the Catalans Dragons and a great guy to have at the club.

“He showed a lot of courage to come back to his best after his health problems.

“We wish him all the best for the future, he will be always be welcome in the South of France.”