Veteran Australian forward Steve Menzies will end his distinguished rugby league career in the south of France after signing a 12-month contract with Catalans Dragons.

The former Manly secondrower, who turns 37 in December, was not offered a new contract by Bradford after finishing his second season at Odsal and is thought to have rejected offers from Huddersfield and Harlequins in order to spend the final year of his career in Perpignan.

"I am really excited about going over to Catalans Dragons for one more year," he said.

"The team had a bit of a disappointing season but hopefully we can turn it around.

"It's a beautiful place to live, but I don't think my French is too good, though."

Menzies, who won 15 caps for the Kangaroos and was a member of their World Cup-winning team in 1995, is the most prolific tryscoring forward in the history of Australia's NRL, with 180 touchdowns in 349 appearances during 16 seasons with Manly.

Despite being the oldest player in Super League, Menzies made a big impression with the Bradford Bulls, where he missed just one of their 58 matches in two seasons and scored 25 tries.

"Steve Menzies is a legend of our sport," said Dragons general manager Christophe Levy.

"His experience and profile will be valuable to the young French players we have nurtured for the last two seasons and will be ready to play in Super League in 2012."

Menzies becomes the eighth and final signing for new Catalans coach Trent Robinson, who has made sweeping changes to the side that finished 2010 with their second wooden spoon.

"I am very happy with the signing of Beaver, who is an iconic player in Australia and will add value to our squad on and off the field," said Robinson.

Now back home in Australia, Menzies will link up with the Dragons in November for pre-season training, alongside fellow newcomers scrum-half Scott Dureau, hooker Ian Henderson, forwards Jason Baitieri and Lopini Paea, centre Vincent Duport, winger Damien Blanch and utility back Ben Farrar.

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