Matt Whitley: St Helens sign second row forward from Catalans on two-year deal
- Published
Matt Whitley scored 35 tries in 103 appearances for Catalans Dragons
St Helens have signed back-rower Matt Whitley from Catalans Dragons on a two-year deal.
The 27-year-old scored 35 tries in 103 appearances during a five-year spell in France.
His final appearance for Catalans came in the Grand Final defeat by Wigan on 14 October and he also played in the 2021 final in the loss to St Helens.
"Saints know what it takes to win the big games and always are fighting for silverware," Whitley said.
The Billinge-born forward was a Saints supporter growing up and said he was looking forward to returning to the area.
"It feels like a full circle moment, I spent a lot of my younger playing days at Saints but had to go elsewhere at 16, so to come back again now, a more established player I'm really looking forward to it," he added.
Whitley says he will be aiming to help the club earn another Super League title in 2024 after their run of four titles in a row was ended by Wigan.
"I've made it to two Grand Finals now but lost both, it's not a feeling I want to keep having - I want to get that win. It adds to the experience and the hunger, and I'll be working as hard as ever to get that next year."
Saints head coach Paul Wellens said Whitley's arrival would increase competition for places.
"He has shown at the back end of the year with Catalans that he is comfortable competing in high-intensity games and that is what we are all about here. It's great to have him on board," he said.