Monday 14 July 2014 09:35, UK
The Wakefield Wildcats have made Catalan Dragons prop Mickael Simon their second signing for the 2015 Super League season.
Simon will join Hull KR centre Craig Hall as part of James Webster's squad next year with the new Wildcats coach using his international connections to sign the 27-year-old.
Webster worked with Simon when he was coach of the French squad at the 2013 World Cup and he has persuaded him to sign a two-year deal with the Wildcats.
"Mickael is a big, strong ball-carrier with a good engine and he will be able to play big minutes for us in the middle of the field," said Webster, who took over from Richard Agar when he stepped down as coach last month.
"I know him well from my time with France at the World Cup and he has a very good knowledge of the game and will add something to the two props we've already secured for next year in Scott Anderson and Nick Scruton."
Simon has made 65 Super League appearances for the Dragons and he is looking forward to the switch, which will begin when they report for pre-season training in November.
"I need a new challenge and I want to play as many games as possible for Wakefield," said Simon, who has won 15 caps for France.
"I hope I can settle quickly in the team and the culture of the country. James is a very good coach and I enjoyed working with him at the World Cup.
"The start he has had as head coach is great for the club, the players and for James. I know that I will progress with the help of James and the other coaching staff.
"Hopefully I can bring my enthusiasm to the team and just do my job as a prop."
