In a move that may kick-start disgraced centre Joel Monaghan's long road to redemption, Brisbane have confirmed dual premiership winner Dane Carlaw will return to the NRL club on a one-year deal.

The 30-year-old forward will fly straight back to Queensland after receiving a release from UK Super League outfit Catalans Dragons "for family reasons" following three seasons at the French-based club.

Despite re-signing for another 12 months with the Dragons in August, Carlaw opted out and is expected to begin training with the Broncos before Christmas.

Carlaw's departure creates an import quota spot for the Dragons, who are interested in luring former Test flyer Monaghan to their club.

While seven UK clubs have expressed interest, the Dragons are firming as favourites after Monaghan opted to visit the Perpignan club, who are coached by Australian Trent Robinson.

Castleford had been considered the front-runner for Monaghan's services after he left Canberra following his Mad Monday lewd photograph controversy.

Castleford are coached by former Raiders assistant Terry Matterson - who worked alongside Monaghan in the nation's capital for three years - and are seeking a replacement for recently-retired centre James Evans.

"I think everyone deserves a chance at redemption and we have talked about that," Dragons coach Robinson told Sky Sports UK.

"If it does end up that we offer him a contract, then he has a decision to make about lifestyle."

A grand final winner with Brisbane in 2000 and 2006, Carlaw played 181 NRL games for the Broncos plus two World Club Challenge matches before leaving in 2007.

He has also played six Tests for Australia and 13 Origin games for Queensland.

Carlaw will return from France with his wife Lise and young son Remy and will be allied to Broncos' affiliate club, Queensland Cup outfit Wynnum Seagulls.

"I am very disappointed to leave the club and to not honour the contract I committed myself to, but it's the best decision for my family and myself," Carlaw said when confirming his departure from the Dragons.

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