FORMER Bulls star Elliott Whitehead will leave Catalans at the end of the season to join NRL club Canberra Raiders.

The Bradford academy product enjoyed a fine 2014 campaign, scoring 18 tries in 27 appearances to earn a place in the Super League Dream Team before making his England debut in the Four Nations.

Whitehead's form helped take the Dragons to within 80 minutes of their first Grand Final, but he will now have only one more opportunity to reach the Old Trafford showpiece with the French outfit.

"After enjoying two-and-a-half years here in France, I have been given the opportunity to go and play in the NRL next season which I have always wanted to do," the 25-year-old said.

"I would like to thank the club and the fans for everything they have done for me and I'm still fully committed to the Dragons this season.

"Whilst I will be sad to leave, I am also looking forward to the future."

The former West Bowling amateur, who will link up with England team-mate Josh Hodgson at Canberra, has carried his good form into Super League XX and will be a big loss to Catalans, according to their coach.

"I'm really disappointed to lose such a quality player," Laurent Frayssinous said.

"Since he arrived at the club, he has always given his best on and off the field to help the team.

"I'm sure he will stay in the heart of the Catalans fans, but before his move he has a job to finish under the Dragons jersey."