Rookie 'La Trell' embracing his World Cup chance with France

France centre Latrell Siegwalt may have only just completed his rookie NRL season, but has been embracing his chance to share what he knows with his teammates during their IRL Rugby League World Cup campaign.

A whirlwind season saw him make his NRL debut with the Rabbitohs, playing eight games, but he is the only member of his team to have NRL experience.

However, he said he was soaking in as much as possible from his Super League hardened teammates as the side attempted to regroup from their heavy loss to Samoa in their game against England.

“Obviously not the result we wanted out there against Samoa, but I'm really privileged to put that French jersey on,” Siegwalt said.

“Even though the result went the way it did, a lot of boys still have a lot of faith in that, and they're still hungry to get out there and especially to play against the English boys.

“My role's a bit different (in this team), it is sort of hard when they all speak fluent French, but the experience has been good.

“I've been learning a lot off all the boys that play Super League, you’ve got Theo (Fages), then you've got our skipper Ben (Garcia).

“He's been good … I don't know if you can see it from the sideline, but the boys really look up to him.

“He's obviously done a lot in the Super League and he's just really inspiring, so every time he talks, all the boys just sit, listen and are all ears, he's been good.

“And we have fullback Arthur (Mourgue), so I've just been learning a lot off them.

“But wherever I can help and give some pointers, I will.”

While there is a long-established rivalry against England, France has lost the past 23 consecutive Tests.

However, Siegwalt – who some fans have dubbed ‘La Trell’ – said during the build up to their match at Perth's HBF Park, said he was starting to learn how strong the rivalry was.  

“It's starting to pick up a bit now and all the boys are looking forward to going out and versing the Poms,” Siegwalt said.