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Dumas shock Test selection
Monday, 29 September 2003
NEVER in his wildest dreams would former Port Macquarie Shark Daniel Dumas be expecting to play his debut Test match - after only six first grade rugby league games.
Even more unexpected is the fact that Dumas will be representing France against the might of Australia, Ireland and Scotland next month.
"The French coach's surname is also Dumas," explained International Rugby League Federation development manager Tas Batieri.
"He was doing his homework throughout the NRL and Daniel's name popped up.
"We investigated his background and found Daniel was of French stock, so to speak.
"The good thing about Daniel's selection is that it won't jeopardise his chance to ever play for Australia.
"The French team will contest the Mediterranean Cup and also play the New Zealand Maoris and England A, with further games against Morocco, Lebanon and Serbia.
"They will also meet Australia on October 25, Ireland on November 2 and Scotland a week later.
"The final of the European Championships, which France is also
contesting, will then take place on November 16."
Now in his second season with Cronulla, Dumas is relishing the prospect of locking horns with the likes of Shane Webke, Gorden Tallis, Petero Civoniceva, Luke Ricketson and, more importantly, his mentor at the Sharks - coach Chris Anderson.
"To tell you the truth, I'm looking forward to tackling them and my family is stoked about my selection," Dumas said.
"It's a great honour to be named in the French squad.
"Even though I've only played six first grade games, I'm not too concerned about playing a Test against a side as strong as Australia.
"It will also give me a great opportunity to show Chris (Anderson) what I'm capable of - in some ways, it might help my career, especially at the Sharks.
"I'm expecting the Test match to be a lot faster, harder and more intense than a regular first grade game.
"It will be a good experience for me."
The second-rower/lock will fly to France tomorrow, and spend a month and a half in the land known for its wine, escargot and romance.
"Communication could be a problem but the Sharks have just signed a threequarter named Dimitri Pelo, who is French and also selected in the side," Dumas said.
"We may be able to help each other out.
"I can fill him in on the set-up at the Sharks, and he might teach me a
word or two to keep me out of trouble.
"Next year is going to be a big one for me - and this overseas experience could be the impetus I need for a strong season.
"I've got to try and keep a cool head in 2004 (after receiving a two-week suspension last month) and cement a first grade spot."
Monday, 29 September 2003
NEVER in his wildest dreams would former Port Macquarie Shark Daniel Dumas be expecting to play his debut Test match - after only six first grade rugby league games.
Even more unexpected is the fact that Dumas will be representing France against the might of Australia, Ireland and Scotland next month.
"The French coach's surname is also Dumas," explained International Rugby League Federation development manager Tas Batieri.
"He was doing his homework throughout the NRL and Daniel's name popped up.
"We investigated his background and found Daniel was of French stock, so to speak.
"The good thing about Daniel's selection is that it won't jeopardise his chance to ever play for Australia.
"The French team will contest the Mediterranean Cup and also play the New Zealand Maoris and England A, with further games against Morocco, Lebanon and Serbia.
"They will also meet Australia on October 25, Ireland on November 2 and Scotland a week later.
"The final of the European Championships, which France is also
contesting, will then take place on November 16."
Now in his second season with Cronulla, Dumas is relishing the prospect of locking horns with the likes of Shane Webke, Gorden Tallis, Petero Civoniceva, Luke Ricketson and, more importantly, his mentor at the Sharks - coach Chris Anderson.
"To tell you the truth, I'm looking forward to tackling them and my family is stoked about my selection," Dumas said.
"It's a great honour to be named in the French squad.
"Even though I've only played six first grade games, I'm not too concerned about playing a Test against a side as strong as Australia.
"It will also give me a great opportunity to show Chris (Anderson) what I'm capable of - in some ways, it might help my career, especially at the Sharks.
"I'm expecting the Test match to be a lot faster, harder and more intense than a regular first grade game.
"It will be a good experience for me."
The second-rower/lock will fly to France tomorrow, and spend a month and a half in the land known for its wine, escargot and romance.
"Communication could be a problem but the Sharks have just signed a threequarter named Dimitri Pelo, who is French and also selected in the side," Dumas said.
"We may be able to help each other out.
"I can fill him in on the set-up at the Sharks, and he might teach me a
word or two to keep me out of trouble.
"Next year is going to be a big one for me - and this overseas experience could be the impetus I need for a strong season.
"I've got to try and keep a cool head in 2004 (after receiving a two-week suspension last month) and cement a first grade spot."
