South Sydney prop Jeff Lima has been released from the final year of his contract to link up with Super League side Catalans Dragons.

Lima, who returned to the NRL from Wigan only last year, has agreed a three-year deal with the French outfit having played 20 games last season, helping Souths reach the preliminary final.

“Jeff spoke to me on a number of occasions about the possible move to France, saying he thought he had given everything he could in 2013 to reach the standards required to play at the NRL level,” said Rabbitohs head coach Michael Maguire.

“He wasn’t sure that he could produce that again for us in 2014 and he had an opportunity to extend his career in the Super League playing with Catalans over the next three years.

“Jeff did a great job for us in the toughest position on the field in the front row last year, and I’m sure his move to France will enable him to extend his career and to play his best football.

“He gave his all for us here at the Rabbitohs, and we wish him the very best of luck at his new club in 2014.”