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Dogs on the run: Napa finds new home, Cotric linked to NRL switch

24th November, 2021
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24th November, 2021
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Dylan Napa will join former Roosters teammate Mitchell Pearce at the Catalans Dragons after signing a two-year deal with the Super League club.

The ex-Bulldogs prop has a contract option for a third season in the south of France that could take him through until the end of 2024, by which time he’d be 32.

Meanwhile, Canterbury, who confirmed after the 2021 season that Napa wouldn’t be re-signed following a three-year stint at Belmore, are poised to release Nick Cotric.

The former NSW Origin winger is reportedly close to returning to the Raiders, for whom he played 93 NRL games, to allow the Bulldogs to ease salary cap pressure.

Cotric played 14 matches in his maiden season in blue and white this year and is currently under contract until the end of 2023.

His one-time teammate Napa will head to Catalans after racking up 176 NRL games in a career highlighted by the 2018 premiership at the Roosters and seven State of Origins for Queensland.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Catalans organisation. To see the progress the club has made in the past years is an environment I want to grow as a player but just as importantly as a person,” Napa said.

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“I have a great relationship with Steve McNamara from my time at the Roosters and can’t wait to get over to France, put in the work and earn respect from my teammates and coaching staff.”

Coach McNamara, who was once part of Trent Robinson’s staff at the Tricolours, expressed his delight at securing the aggressive forward.

“Having worked closely with Dylan at the Roosters, I know first-hand the impact he can have in this competition,” McNamara said.

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“I spoke many times with him throughout the negotiations and his will, desire and enthusiasm to get back to his best form was overwhelming. He is at a great age for a front-rower, a grand final winner who will be a great addition to our club.”

After losing the grand final to St Helens 12-10 in October, Catalans are hoping Napa and Pearce can help clinch their first Super League title in the coming years.

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Pearce, who gained a release from the Knights last week, will replace his premiership-winning Roosters halves partner James Maloney at the French club.

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