French players are few and far between in the NRL but that trend has now changed, as Catalans Dragons prop and French international Remi Casty is headed to the NRL, after signing a 2-year deal with the Sydney Roosters from the 2014 season.
Casty, who is the first Frenchman to play in the NRL since Jerome Guisset played for Canberra in 1999, comes with a lot of experience and great pedigree as a player.
It was back in 2006 that Casty made his Super League debut for the Dragons, with the prop known for his strong and powerful tackling style, a style of play that saw him named in last years Super League Team of the Year.
His international achievements should not go unnoticed, however, with the forward making 7 appearances for France to date and winning their Player of the Year award at the 2011 RLIF Awards.
In 155 games to date for the Dragons, Casty has scored 18 tries in that time, with the ambition to play in the NRL something the French prop always wanted to do.
“It’s my career achievement,” said Casty.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I started playing rugby. I’ve spent eight wonderful seasons at the Catalans Dragons, I’m very proud to have worn this jersey and I will never thank enough the club for all he brought to me Viagra Online.â€
“ I really want to thank the club to allow me to take that opportunity.â€
With the deal just 2 years, although the club is disappointed to be losing Casty for that time, the club have been told by Casty that he will return to them after his experience in the NRL.
“It’s obviously a big loss for our club, but it’s a great opportunity for him to play alongside the best players in the world. I was aware of the negotiations from the beginning , we have always worked seamlessly with Remi. He told us he will come back at the club after his NRL experience. He is a great leader, he will come back stronger and will share his experience with the young forwards coming through at the club.†Said Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch.
As Catalans continue to brood and nurture the next generation of talent, Casty is not the first Dragon to head to the Roosters, with the club’s Head Conditioner and now Roosters coach Trent Robinson also joining the Roosters in the last year.
“It is a great recognition of the work done by our club. By recruiting our Headcoach, conditioner and now our player, it’s certify the quality of the work done by the members of the club, who have been able to improve and develop the staff and players,” said Christophe Jouffret, Catalans CEO.