Transfer business is at the heart of rugby league and Super League news at the moment with Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR and Warrington Wolves all making announcements.
Leeds and Wigan have both made signings from Catalans Dragons who have moved for Hull FC star Chris Satae.
The Rhinos drafted in Mickael Goudemand to join French teammate Justin Sangare.
Sangare this week signed an extension to stay at the club longer.
Rohan Smith believes the two can open up a recruitment channel for the club to France:
“I think it is for a young French kid of African descent to move away from home and find a home so quickly in Leeds that he wants to commit his future to.
“We see a lot of growth in Justin yet but he’s made a good solid start to his time in Super League with the Rhinos.
“Probably helping to create another recruitment direction with Mikel Goudemand who’s a good friend of Justin’s and that no doubt helped that process.
“There’s been a series of great French players that have played for this club over the years. So, perhaps that’s another recruitment channel that we’ll continue to build as well.”
He further explained: “I think it’s important to have places or I guess it’s not something that you’re going to do just because you’ve brought other French guys in that have worked well, but it doesn’t hurt for the path to be shaped already.
“So players coming from different parts of the world, it’s not a bad idea to go back to those places if it’s worked previously and players have those connections. So for Justin it was difficult, he didn’t know anyone coming here, but for Mikael coming next year it’s a smoother transition and a quicker adjustment, perhaps having a familiar face and someone to show them the way.”
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