Hame Sele managed only five NRL appearances for St George Illawarra in 2026, with an Achilles injury ending his season after Round 7.
Catalans Dragons have signed the 29-year-old Tongan international on a two-year contract, with an option for a further season.
His St George Illawarra deal runs until the end of 2026, while Catalans are adding an experienced forward to their pack for the seasons ahead.
Sele made 121 tackles and missed one in his five matches this year.
Across 94 NRL games over ten seasons, injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress.
He debuted for the Dragons in 2017, spent one season with Penrith in 2019 and four with South Sydney, then returned to St George Illawarra.
His strongest campaign came with the Rabbitohs in 2023, when he played 18 games, recorded 95 per cent tackle efficiency and made 796 post-contact metres.
Sele represented Tonga twice in 2023, coming off the bench against England in both Tests.
A former Australian Schoolboy and junior NSW Blues representative, he began playing at Kingsgrove Colts in the St George district.