Former Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons man Mickael Goudemand has joined up with Newcastle Knights’ second string for pre-season.
Goudemand has been plying his trade down under since June, when he joined New South Wales outfit Junee Diesels. The Diesels compete in the Group 9 Rugby League competition, someway below NRL standard.
However, according to reports in France, he has been given the opportunity to step up a level after being invited to spent the off-season with the Knights’ New South Wales Cup team. Goudemand will be keen to impress enough to earn a permanent deal with the Knights with the hope of being used in the NRL at some point.
As such, he will be with the Knights until March on trial. But, the Frenchman, who left Leeds at the end of the 2024 Super League season, has also joined Newcastle Rugby League club Macquarie Scorpions, ensuring he has a fall back option if his chance with the Knights doesn’t work out.
The 29-year-old will still feel as though he has plenty to give and the chance to work with the Knights provides a huge opportunity for him.
Goudemand spent just one season with Leeds Rhinos, making 18 appearances before his contract was cut short by the club. He returned to France to join Super XIII side Albi before heading down under for the first time in his career over the summer.
The prop started his career with SO Avignon before being picked up by Dewsbury Rams in 2017. His big break came in 2018 though when he signed with Catalans.
He made 99 appearances for the Dragons and featured in their Challenge Cup final win over Warrington Wolves in 2018 and the club’s 2021 Super Grand Final defeat. Goudemand has also collected 15 caps for France over his career.
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