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Melbourne Storm's Australian Test lock Dallas Johnson has accepted an offer "too good to refuse", signing a three-year contract with Super League club Catalans Dragons.
The Storm reluctantly agreed to grant the two-time NRL premiership-winning forward an early release from his contract, which had been due to run until the end of the 2011 season.
"The Storm, as a club, has meant so much to me," said Johnson, 26, who played in the last four State of Origin series for Queensland.
"This was without doubt the toughest decision of my career.
"I made my debut in Storm colours, represented Queensland and Australia while playing for them, and have made some life-long friends.
"Storm members and supporters are the most devoted in rugby league and I want them to know that I am indebted for the support they have shown me throughout my career.
"But there are other areas of life I want to explore and living abroad and travelling is absolutely up there on the list.
"The opportunity to continue my rugby league career with the security of a long-term deal and in such a beautiful part of the world was one that I couldn't refuse."
Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who made his debut as coach on the same night Johnson played his first NRL game, described the hard-hitting lock as the toughest rugby league player he had seen.
"For a guy his size, to do what he does on the field, week after week, is simply incredible," said Bellamy.
"He's the toughest player I have ever seen.
"He's a popular guy amongst the players and he will be missed by all."
The Storm reluctantly agreed to grant the two-time NRL premiership-winning forward an early release from his contract, which had been due to run until the end of the 2011 season.
"The Storm, as a club, has meant so much to me," said Johnson, 26, who played in the last four State of Origin series for Queensland.
"This was without doubt the toughest decision of my career.
"I made my debut in Storm colours, represented Queensland and Australia while playing for them, and have made some life-long friends.
"Storm members and supporters are the most devoted in rugby league and I want them to know that I am indebted for the support they have shown me throughout my career.
"But there are other areas of life I want to explore and living abroad and travelling is absolutely up there on the list.
"The opportunity to continue my rugby league career with the security of a long-term deal and in such a beautiful part of the world was one that I couldn't refuse."
Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who made his debut as coach on the same night Johnson played his first NRL game, described the hard-hitting lock as the toughest rugby league player he had seen.
"For a guy his size, to do what he does on the field, week after week, is simply incredible," said Bellamy.
"He's the toughest player I have ever seen.
"He's a popular guy amongst the players and he will be missed by all."
