Disgraced Wests Tigers player Tim Simona has left Australia to sign with French rugby league club Lezignan with a view to returning to the NRL.

Simona hopes the move will help him land a contract in the European Super League or even back on home soil in the NRL.

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The 28-year-old was banned from rugby league over a betting scandal in 2017, but began to make his comeback bid when he was signed by NSW Cup side Blacktown – the feeder club for Manly – earlier this year.

That was with a view to returning to the NRL, possibly with the Sea Eagles, but the game’s governing body did not register his contract owing to his troubled past.

Now Simona has opted to move to France.

“This is a great opportunity for the club, his high level experience will be beneficial for the entire team. He is a fabulous player, very spectacular who will bring the world to the stadium I hope,” said club chairman Alain Fabre.

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Simona meanwhile said he wanted to overcome the past two years and knuckle down with the aim of playing at the elite level once again.

“I want to get back on my feet and prove that I can still play in NRL or Super League,” he said.

“The past two years have been the hardest of my life.

“I appreciate the invaluable lessons I have learnt, of which there have been many.”

Lezignan are currently fifth on the French Elite One ladder.

Other former NRL stars currently plying their trade in the competition are ex-Shark Ben Pomeroy (Palau) and former Warriors and Wests Tigers hooker Pita Godinet (Villeneuve).