WHITEHAVEN coach James Coyle says Louis Jouffret will compete for the club’s fullback position with fellow new recruit Elliott Miller.
Frenchman Jouffret last week made his move to the Recreation Ground permanent, having spent time on loan with the club from Union Treiziste Catalan in 2015.
Coyle believes he will be a major acquisition but says both players are keen to play fullback next year.
“Louis can play in a few positions but has predominantly come here looking to play fullback,” said Coyle.
“I’ve spoken to Elliott about the fact that we’ve brought Louis in, because he was looking to convert to fullback as well.
“He has been pretty much untested there, but he’ll get an opportunity in pre-season before Louis gets here and it will be between the two of them.
“It’s good for us to have that competition between them, and Elliott will have to aim up to get in front of Louis.”
Coyle was impressed by what Jouffret, who is the son of Catalans chief executive Christophe, had to offer earlier this year.
Coyle said: “His attitude is the main thing that draws me to him.
“He came in last year and was really professional. He led the way with his attitude at training and around the club.
“It gives us a bit of consistency again as well.
“He’s coming back here and knows the way we want to play and the systems we use. He’d already played in them because it’s the same game plan that Deaks (Steve Deakin) used at UTC and the Dragons.
“We’ve run with that as well and he’ll be able to slot straight into it.”
Jouffret’s arrival takes Coyle’s squad for the new season to 24, and they have now completed two weeks back in training.
