Rookie Rabbitohs playmaker Latrell Siegwalt has told France coach Laurent Frayssinous of his ambition to represent his French heritage at Rugby League World Cup 2026 as he closes in on an NRL debut.

Frayssinous met with Siegwalt and French internationals Enzo Griffier and Louis Grossemy after travelling to Australia with Fédération Française de Rugby à XIII president, Dominique Baloup for a tour of accommodation and training facilities in Sydney and Perth for France’s World Cup campaign.

Siegwalt, who has been chosen by Wayne Bennett in South Sydney’s 19-man match day squad for the past two weeks but is yet to make his NRL debut, qualifies for France through his paternal grandfather.

Photo: Rabbitohs playmaker Latrell Siegwalt is keen to play for France at the upcoming World Cup. @NRL Photos

The 24-year-old, who plays fullback or in the halves, joined the Rabbitohs this season after two stand-out seasons in the Queensland Cup for Redcliffe Dolphins and Souths Logan Magpies.

A renowned goalkicker, Siegwalt won the QRL Rookie of the Year award in 2024 after helping the Dolphins to the grand final and was part of the Broncos system in 2025.

“Latrell is very, very keen and he wants to play for his heritage on his father’s side,” Frayssinous said.

“He is very excited. I spent 30 or 40 minutes with him and I explained to him what playing for France is like.

“He liked what I said and I liked what I heard from him, as well, about how proud he is to one day wear the Tricolours jersey.

“He is very keen, so it is up to him to perform week in and week out to be able to play for France. That’s what we need, to have a strong 24-man squad for the World Cup we need players to push each other throughout the season and play the best they can.”

Griffier, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, is now in his third season with Sydney Roosters after moving to Australia to advance his rugby league career under the guidance of FFRXIII coaching director Trent Robinson.

The 20-year-old back has played three Tests for France, while Grossemy – a 22-year-old backrower with the Bulldogs - made his senior international debut in last year’s World Cup qualifier against Jamaica.

He had previously represented his French heritage in the 2023 Under 19s European Championships.

Grossemy, who qualifies for France through his father, joined the Bulldogs last season after winning South Sydney’s 2024 Jersey Flegg Player of the Year award and played in the February’s Pre-Season Challenge match against the Cowboys.

Photo: Bulldogs backrower Louis Grossemy has been a part of the French system since 2023. @NRL Photos

“Louis played for France last year against Jamaica. That was his first time with the group, and he was great.

“We had a great camp, we went to London and did an opposed session with Australia and came back to France to prepare for our match against Jamaica in Albi.

“I have a lot of trust in Louis and the same with Enzo Griffier. Enzo played the year before against England so he already knows what it means to play for France and what type of culture we have with the French team.

“It is Enzo’s third year with the Roosters, and he is enjoying playing for such a great club, he is enjoying the culture, the training and playing with the best talents.

“Since he has come to Australia he has developed himself on the field and off the field he is more mature. He is a quality player, and it has been a great experience for him. I hope in the future there will be more young French players come to the NRL.”

Photo: Enzo Griffier has developed on and off the field since joining Sydney Roosters three years ago. @Roosters Media

Sydney Roosters Jersey Flegg fullback Zac Sarfati, who played for LA Roosters in February's Vegas 9s, is also eligible for France through his paternal grandfather.

“I will follow all of their performances through the season and I hope that they will perform because we have got a good squad but if they perform week in-and week-out they will definitely be pushing for spots," Frayssinous said.

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