Meet the French legend determined to grow rugby league back home
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French rugby legend Freddie Michalak has opened up on his desire to help grow rugby league in his home country as the nation prepares to contest this year's World Cup.
Michalak arrived in Australia earlier this month to join the Sharks as an assistant coach, having previously had stints with the Roosters and Cronulla over the past few years.
The former flyhalf has developed a close relationship with Roosters head coach Trent Robinson, the pair meeting while Robinson was coaching in France and working together once Michalak hung up the boots.
While they are currently on rival teams at the NRL, it is possible they will reunite for France's World Cup campaign, with Robinson the Director of Rugby for the nation.
Les Tricolores Renaissance
French officials are yet to approach Michalak but the Cronulla assistant is eager to help develop the country's emerging players.
"No one has talked to me for the moment, but if they need help, why not," Michalak told NRL.com.
"My heart will always be French, so I will always help them if they need."
France will open their campaign against Samoa in Sydney before facing fierce rivals England in Perth and Lebanon in the final game of the group stage.
Michalak's interest in helping grow French rugby league, comes as he makes an instant impact at the Sharks, who have piled on the points since his arrival in early July.
Cronulla are eager to keep the momentum rolling when they host the Rabbitohs on Sunday afternoon.
A French rugby union legend who dominated his sport at the highest level, Michalak brings a unique perspective to the game, with Robinson already noticing the changes at the Sharks.
"He's a winner. He's a good thinker, and he loves thinking about the game," Robinson said. "Fitzy wanted someone from a different angle to come in and skill develop.
"We're starting to see it a little bit more in our game and it's a good thing to have another Frenchy over here coaching."
Match: Sharks v Rabbitohs
Round 22 -
home Team
Sharks
4th Position
away Team
Rabbitohs
6th Position
Venue: Ocean Protect Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Michalak enjoyed a decorated rugby union career that lasted nearly two decades and included stints in France and South Africa. The playmaker made 77 appearances for the French national team before transitioning to coaching.
He was most recently the attack coach at Racing 92 in western Paris and joined the Sharks at the conclusion of the French club's season.
The playmaker was known for his brilliance with ball in hand and praised the NRL for embracing rule changes that unlock the competition's attacking stars.
It's a lesson he hopes English and French rugby league clubs can also learn as officials look to grow the sport internationally.
"It is growing with Catalans and Toulouse Olympique but rugby union still takes up such a big place in France," Michalak said. "The biggest sport in France is rugby union but rugby league can definitely grow.
"I can feel it's growing a lot in Australia because of the struggles of Super Rugby but the rugby competition in France is very big and strong. It's definitely something to look at how to grow rugby league in France."
While he has been involved in rugby league previously, Michalak remained shocked at just how much the NRL has grown in the past few years.
The sport now dwarfs rugby union in interest and viewership in Australia, with millions of people tuning into matches on a weekly basis.
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The interest brings an added layer of pressure that Michalak has embraced since joining the Sharks and he's relishing the chance to help the club claim its first title since 2016.
"This is a big challenge for me," Michalak said. "It's a big competition. When you're in France, you don't see much rugby league. Yesterday I watched the TV and you only see rugby league on TV here.
"When you are in France you just see the Top 14 and stories about the union players. Now I'm here I understand why there's so much passion around the NRL.
"This is why I want to work in rugby league because I love the passion. In France, we're very passionate about sports, you feel the people and the crowd rally around the team and as a player you want to give more. I feel that passion here and I love that part of the job."
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