League: Johnson leaves Melbourne for France

Dallas Johnson has signed a three-year contract with the Catalans Dragons. Photo / Getty Images

MELBOURNE - Melbourne Storm's Australian test lock Dallas Johnson has accepted an offer "too good to refuse", signing a three-year contract with Super League club Catalans Dragons.

The Storm reluctantly agreed to grant the two-time NRL premiership-winning forward an early release from his contract, which had been due to run until the end of the 2011 season.

"The opportunity to continue my rugby league career with the security of a long-term deal and in such a beautiful part of the world was one that I couldn't refuse," said Johnson, 26, who played in the last four State of Origin series for Queensland.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy, who made his debut as coach on the same night Johnson played his first NRL game, described the hard-hitting lock as the toughest rugby league player he had seen.

"He's a popular guy amongst the players and he will be missed by all."

- AAP