LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

Former Super League Prop Lands Deal with Knights

The Newcastle Knights are looking to strengthen their forward pack for the upcoming 2026 season following the departures of key players like Leo Thompson and Daniel Saifiti.

Although the current forward market appears limited, numerous international prospects are available, and it seems that the Knights have taken advantage of this opportunity.

According to Love Rugby League, Mickael Goudemand, a former forward with the Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons, has secured a trial with the Knights' reserve-grade team as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The 29-year-old French international will train with Newcastle's New South Wales Cup squad and has a chance to earn a contract and potentially make his NRL debut if he performs well.

Goudemand, who is a Challenge Cup winner and has reached the Super League Grand Final twice with the Catalans Dragons, left Leeds after just one season at Headingley at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

He briefly returned to France to play for Albi before relocating to Australia in June to join Junee Diesels in the Group 9 Rugby League competition.

With over 200 senior appearances, including more than 100 in the Super League, Goudemand, a 15-time France international, is now eager to make his mark in Australian rugby league.