Gone will be the intense spotlight that goes with being a St George Illawarra star and the pressure of chasing that elusive NRL premiership.

So too the pointed barbs from fans of the Dragons and rival clubs alike.

The 29-year-old often was a magnet for criticism in 2008, but he responded with an outstanding year, winning the coveted Dragons Medal as the club's standout player in his farewell season.

Ryles - who will pack down with Catalans Dragons in the English Super League next season - yesterday admitted his only regret was never winning a National Rugby League premiership in eight years in first grade.

"That's the main disappointment for sure," he said.

"Especially with the personnel we had there for a while.

"That would be my only regret."

Ryles' new challenge lies not only in playing for an emerging Super League powerhouse, but also in tackling a new culture and language.

He has been given an insight into the French lifestyle - afternoon siestas and all - by former St George Illawarra team-mates Clint Greenshields and Aaron Gorrell.

With Gorrell returning to play with the Brisbane Broncos next year, Ryles will live in the former Catalans hooker's flat and next door to Greenshields.

"They've told me that the speed of the lifestyle is very different," he said.

"It's much more of a 'no stress' attitude and I'm certainly looking forward to experiencing that.

"I spoke some French down the (telephone) line to Clint and he reckons I'll get by until I'm around the language all the time and learning it more fluently."

He's also spoken - in English - to new Catalans coach Kevin Walters and assistant coach Dean Pay, as well as former coach Mick Potter, about the expectations placed upon him about being Catalans' star signing.

"I've spoken to Kevvie a few times and he has told me take my time to settle in over there and enjoy the experience," he said.

"You're not in the spotlight over there like you are here.

"All the fans around town will come to the game and support, but the spotlight isn't there like in the NRL."