Catalans Dragons forward Mika Simon ready to retire

The Catalans Dragons forward, 33, has played all his career with the French club aside from a two-year stint at Belle Vue in 2015 and 2016.

After making 49 appearances for Wakefield, scoring 14 tries, the ex-France international returned to Perpignan for a second spell and helped Catalans famously win the Challenge Cup in 2018.

Simon, who debuted for the Dragons in 2010 and has made 130 Super League appearances for them, said: “During this long period (in lockdown), I have had time to think about it and I feel it is the right decision.

“I want to prepare my future as well as possible and be close to my two kids.

“I’ve had 11 fantastic Super League seasons, with ups and downs, but those moments allowed me to build myself.

“I have been delighted to play for this club over all these years! I want to finish my career as well as possible and to see how far this team can go.

“I wish you all a good end to the season. Thank you for everything.”

Simon’s only appearance this term was off the bench in the opening day loss against Huddersfield Giants.

But Catalans head coach Steve McNamara added: “Mika has been an outstanding servant for the Catalans Dragons.

“He was hugely influential in our Challenge Cup Final success in 2018. “We look forward to seeing a very strong finish to his Catalans career this year.”