Johnson was a Queensland State of Origin regular

Catalans Dragons have agreed to release loose forward Dallas Johnson from the final two years of his contract so he can join North Queensland Cowboys.

The 27-year-old joined the Perpignan club from NRL rivals Melbourne Storm last November on a three-year deal.

Johnson said: "I did not seek a contract in the NRL.

"This opportunity came up and, with my daughter born only two weeks ago, I just think it will be better for my family to go back home next year."

He added: "It was a big decision to leave but the opportunity to play for the Cowboys and to establish our home base from Townsville was too good.

"I want to thank everyone at the club for giving me the opportunity to play for the Dragons and experience a new life."

Johnson, who made his Test debut for Australia in 2007, has played 25 games for Catalans this season and will make his final appearance in Saturday's home clash with Huddersfield.

He will be part of a major clear-out in Perpignan as new coach Trent Robinson looks to rebuild a team that look set to finish bottom of Super League for the second time in five years.

The club have so far confirmed that Olivier Elima, Steven Bell, Brent Sherwin, Dimitri Pelo and brothers Kane and Andrew Bentley will all be leaving.

Robinson has so far signed scrum-half Scott Dureau from Newcastle Knights and former Bradford hooker Ian Henderson from New Zealand Warriors.

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