St George Illawarra prop Jason Ryles will join French Super League club Les Catalans next season on a three-year deal worth a reported $1.7 million.

The Dragons confirmed Ryles' release from the final two years of his contract, after the former Test prop was given permission to negotiate with other clubs by incoming coach Wayne Bennett.

Ryles will link with several former Dragons teammates in France, including fullback Clint Greenshields and hooker Aaron Gorrell.

"It will be disappointing to leave the Dragons at the end of this season and it won't change my commitment and focus to the club for the rest of this season," Ryles said in a brief statement.

Dragons chief executive Peter Doust described the release as a win-win situation.

"It is always difficult to negotiate such arrangements when it involves the early release of a local junior and a player who has played his whole career to date with our club," Doust said.

"Whilst this decision was not an easy one to make, it is of benefit to both parties and we are confident that it won't impact upon our 2008 campaign."

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