Cotric to exit Raiders for Super League at season's end

Nick Cotric will leave Canberra at the end of this NRL season, with the former Australian Test winger to move to Catalans Dragons.

Cotric on Thursday morning confirmed a new three-year deal with the French-based English Super League club, ending his second stint with the Raiders.

A NSW State of Origin winger in 2019, Cotric was on the rise when he left Canberra for Canterbury at the end of the following season.

But he has since been unable to recapture his best form, returning to Canberra in 2022 after an unhappy stint at the Bulldogs.

He was briefly dropped by coach Ricky Stuart, before returning to the wing for the past two months.

Catalans on Thursday trumpeted the 25-year-old's signing as an exciting one for their club, given Cotric's speed and ability to break tackles.

"I can't wait to put the jersey on and go hard with the boys," the winger said in a statement.

"I'm excited to make new memories and play for a great club and team. Allez les Dragons!"

Cotric's signing comes after Wests Tigers centre Brent Naden had been linked to the club by English media after CEO Shane Richardson's visit to the country.

Naden has been told by the Tigers he will not be re-signed beyond 2025, and can pursue greater security elsewhere as they look to clear out salary-cap space.

But AAP has been told that the 28-year-old will not move overseas with his young family, and a shift to the English Super League is therefore off the cards.

Instead his priority is to remain in Australia, and at this stage he plans to stay at the Tigers for next year and try to convince the joint-venture to hand him a new deal.

The Tigers have a number of younger players coming through their ranks, with teenage outside back Luke Laulilii impressing on debut last weekend.

Adam Doueihi also returned in the centres against Canberra on Sunday, and has signed a one-year deal for next year.

But questions remain over fellow centre Justin Olam for the rest of this season, with the Papua New Guinean battling persistent knee issues.