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It could be a combination of the two to be perfectly honest. I think that we might have to look into it during the off season.
I was at a Men of League lunch a few years ago and was talking to Ron Coote who mentioned the Peard US surgery. Said it didn't work but the MOL foundation were happy to fund it - fair enough too.
‘You can see the mentality’: The French rugby star who helped shape Suaalii
By Sam Phillips
May 21, 2021 — 6.45pm
After a journey that included a cross-code bidding war, the Roosters one-upping the Rabbitohs and an exemption from the NRL, it should come as little surprise a charismatic French rugby star has also played a role in Joseph Suallii making his first-grade debut.
Frederic Michalak, a 77-Test former five-eighth for France, married an Australian and having settled in Sydney, now works two days a week as a skills and kicking consultant to the Roosters.
Michalak played with and against many naturally gifted athletes through his decorated 15-year career and knows talent when he sees it. So when Michalak first met Suaalii, the 17-year-old’s undeniable athleticism left a lasting impression.
“Straight away, you see Suaalii has a great step and he likes using it – but he’s just an athlete,” Michalak told the Herald on the eve of the star teen’s debut against the Broncos on Saturday night.
“He has great hands, he can offload and he’s so young.”
The French playmaker believes the very best players have a particular drive to improve at every training session, every day. After a few sessions with Suaalii, Michalak has no doubt the King’s School product will thrive at NRL level.
“You can see the mentality. It’s there,” Michalak said.
“Sam (Walker) is the same. They are both young and very talented and there is a lot of expectation on a talented player.
“Now, you need to work hard. After a while (the opposition) understand what you’re trying to do more.
“This is the point where your talent takes you to. It’s still there and they’re both still young but they both have so much to work on and they want to do the work.”
Michalak met Trent Robinson while the Roosters coach was at Catalans in the European Super League. The former French star’s wife, Cindy, is from Sydney and Michalak first spent time observing the Roosters on a trip in 2019.
When Michalak and his family settled in Australia during the pandemic, Robinson reached out and asked the 38-year-old to join the club as a consultant.
Michalak was careful not to reveal all of the methodology the Roosters employ to bring the best out of their young guns but the club is making a habit of turning talented teens into stars.
“I don’t want to give away all the secrets but it’s a big family, first of all,” he said.
“This is the work of the manager - Trent - and the staff. They’re working on not just their rugby league skills but how you can be a better man. That’s made a big difference, you know.
“They make you think why you play this sport and how you can progress. This is the first time I’ve seen a team like that. They’re very together and the players all share a lot.
“It’s a culture thing. The culture of Trent and the team. It was similar to when I played with the Sharks in South Africa. The culture of preparing for games, how you think about the game and talk after the game. There is a lot to process.
“In France, we work on ego. The process is more negative. That’s a big difference for me.”
