CATALAN Dragons have appointed retiring Warrington Wolves player Michael Monaghan as assistant to Laurent Frayssinous on a two-year contract.

The Warrington co-captain, who played his last game against Wigan last week, has just hung up his boots and will take on a new role in the Catalan coaching staff next season.

Monaghan said: “I'm extremely excited to begin my coaching career at the Catalans Dragons.

“It's a club with amazing potential and I look forward to working closely with Laurent and the rest of the coaching staff to make the Dragons' 10th season its best yet.”

“I'm thankful to Laurent and the club for giving me this opportunity and relish the chance to work with such a talented playing roster.”

The 34-year-old Australian has featured in three Challenge Cup-winning sides since joining Wolves from Manly in 2008. He made 126 NRL appearances with Canberra where he started his carreer and Manly before joining Warrington, where he played 158 Super League games.

Laurent Frayssinous added : “I’m delighted to welcome Michael in the Catalan Dragons coaching staff next season.

“He will bring us his experience at the best level and his leadership qualities he had as a player.

“He has a great understanding of the competition and of the game and he'll be a real asset to us.

“Michael is the ideal person as we were looking for a young assistant coach, who just hung up his boots, still very close to the competition.

“He is a highly respected player and person and I’m really looking forward to working with him next season.”