Kiwi prop linked with Leeds switch signs three-year deal with Catalans

Melbourne Storm forward Sam Kasiano has signed a lucrative three-year contract with Challenge Cup holders Catalans Dragons.

The 28-year-old man mountain was heavily linked with a move to Leeds and reportedly turned down the chance to sign for St George Illawarra in favour of a move to France.

Kasiano still had two years to run on his deal at the Storm, believed to be worth around $600,000 a year, with his departure bringing them back under the salary cap in time for round one.

The former Kiwi international leaves Melbourne after just one season, having arrived with big expectations last year from Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

He will bring size and fire power to Steve McNamara’s team, with his huge 126 kg (19 st 12 lb) frame sure to cause damage to a lot of Super League defences.

Kasiano also has plenty of experience, having played 153 games in the NRL and appeared at international level for New Zealand (six Tests) and Samoa (five Tests).