Catalans Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Matt Whitley on a two-year contract.

The highly-rated 22-year-old back-rower, who was the Widnes’ star performer this season, is in the England Knights squad for the tour of Papua New Guinea.

Matt Whitley said: "I am thrilled to have signed for the Dragons and I am very much looking forward to getting to the club meeting the boys and really getting stuck into my new challenge. Having met Steve, it is apparent that his goal is to win trophies and this is very much something I would like to do."

Born in St Helens, he joined Widnes at the age of 16 and made his Super League debut in 2015.

His consistent displays earned him a nomination for the Albert Goldthorpe Rookie of the Year in 2015, while an outstanding 2016 brought him both the Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year Awards, in addition to nomination for the Super League Young Player of the Year.

Whitley, 22, already played over 100 first-team games for the Vikings, scoring 20 tries.

Catalans Dragons headcoach Steve McNamara said: “Matt is an exciting addition to our squad. He is young, ambitious and a player that is prepared to work hard to achieve success. He plays both 2nd row and centre and this adds more depth, quality and competition to our squad.”

Matt Whitley profile

Date of Birth : 20 January, 1996

Height : 182 cm

Weight : 92 kg

Position : Back rower

Previous Clubs : Widnes Vikings

Debut : Widnes v Warrington, April 2nd, 2015

Club Stats : Widnes Vikings (2015-18) : 100 appearances, 20 tries

