Perry links up with Dragons

Perry: Dragons deal

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New Catalans Dragons coach Kevin Walters has gone back to his old club Brisbane Broncos to snap up scrum-half Shane Perry.

The 31-year-old Australian will link up with his former Broncos team-mates Casey McGuire and Dane Carlaw after signing a 12-month contract with the Dragons.

The former Canterbury Bulldogs half-back is a replacement for hooker Aaron Gorrell, who is moving to the Broncos after two years with the Perpignan outfit.

"Shane is a very experienced player who was half-back in the Broncos' 2006 premiership side," said Walters, the former Brisbane assistant coach who has taken over at the Catalans from St Helens-bound Mick Potter.

"He is a very smart player and will give the Dragons much needed on-field direction, particularly when games are tight as he has a calming influence over other team members."

Third signing

Perry becomes the third signing for Walters, who has recruited centre Steven Bell and prop Jason Ryles as straight replacements for John Wilson and Alex Chan.

"My family and I are very excited about our move to France and the opportunity to play for the Catalan Dragons," said Perry.

"I am really looking forward to carrying on the good work that the team has achieved this year and hopefully we can go one step further.

"It will also be a great thrill to be coached by Kevin Walters and team up with Casey and Dane again, having won the 2006 NRL Grand Final with them."