Anthony Anselme, son of former French international Eric, has earned an exciting opportunity by securing a contract with the Noosa Pirates on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
AT nineteen years old, Anthony Anselme’s childhood dream of playing in Australia has materialised perhaps sooner than anticipated.
The fullback/five-eigth is seizing his chance, joining one of the most recognised clubs in the formidable Sunshine Coast competition.
“I was born and raised in Albi and rugby league has always been my preferred sport.
“I grew up watching our local heroes, but the NRL was the competition everyone watched on television.
“It was always my dream to play in Australia.
“My father Eric played alongside my Noosa coach Jye Ballinger back home in France for Albi Tigers, and they have maintained their friendship ever since.
“When I expressed my interest in playing in Australia to advance my career, my father contacted Jye regarding a potential move to Noosa.
“I sent the club several highlight packages of me playing in France, and the Pirates decided to take a chance on me with a twelve-month contract.
“The club and players welcomed me with open arms, making me feel at home from the moment I arrived.”
The opportunity to play in Australia is a dream for many French rugby league players, and Anselme eagerly embraced it when the Pirates offered him a contract.
Unlike many overseas players who struggle with homesickness, Anselme has thrived on the Sunshine Coast and is enjoing life in Australia.
The Pirates boast a diverse international roster in 2025, including Frenchman Anselme, Englishman Joe Bancroft, (who played with Birkenshaw Bulldogs), and their most notable signing, former England and South Sydney forward George Burgess.
“Having Joe and George at the club has been great as I am not the only overseas player to have joined.
“Joe is not only playing but has volunteered to coach one of the Pirates junior teams as well, he’s a great guy to have around.
“George, on the other hand, is a prominent figure whose signing has increased attendance at the Pirates from 2024.
“His presence is significant and brings extensive knowledge and experience to the club.
“It is a rare opportunity to have a former international and NRL star available at your disposal, but the Pirates pulled off a tremendous signing.”
Anselme is impressed with his new surroundings. “Upon arriving in Noosa, it felt like paradise.
“France is beautiful too, but I understand why people fall in love with Australia: the beaches, culture, people, weather, it truly is the lucky country.”
Having completed two games with Noosa, Anselme has observed significant differences between rugby league in France and Australia.
“Australian players are far ahead in preparation and professionalism concerning training and playing.
“While the intensity and speed of the game are similar, the size of the players and their dedication to training and playing are what set them apart as leaders in the game.”
With a robust junior resume playing for Albi Tigers, Toulouse, and the Catalans Dragons academy squad, Anselme is poised to earn his first representative jersey when the French U19s tour Australia in July.
“Being in Australia, I have been included in the U19s squad’s training side, and I hope to be selected for the upcoming matches against Australian teams.
“My presence in Australia is motivated by my desire to follow in my father’s footsteps and represent France, ensuring the Anselme name continues.”
Anselme also emphasizes the importance of junior development for the survival and growth of rugby league in France.
“The French Federation must prioritise junior development.
“Numerous talented juniors in France either quit the sport or switch to rugby union due to better opportunities.
“Rugby union offers more financial incentives, which rugby league struggles to match.
“Despite limited resources, the French Federation does its best, but I hope France regains its status as a powerhouse especially at the international level.”
While Anselme remains open to returning to France at the end of the 2025 season, if necessary, he believes that Catalans Dragons and Toulouse should continue participating in the English competition.
“Removing both clubs from the English competition would be disastrous for French rugby league.
“France has already fallen on the international ladder, and it will decline further without a clear path for player development.
“French players bring flair to the game, and we need fewer imports and more juniors to preserve its authenticity.”
As Anselme benefits from the expertise of Australian players and coaching staff at Noosa, he continually reflects on his father’s support.
“My father took his own risks by securing contracts with Halifax, Leeds and Penrith to learn from the best.
“I am following his lead because he is my hero and the one who has encouraged and supported me throughout my junior career.
“Without his guidance, I might not have had the chance to live and play in Australia.”
For now, Anselme is dedicated to making the most of his time in Australia.
“Players back home in France often inquire about playing rugby league in Australia, and I offer them the same advice: seize any opportunity to come here, as the possibilities are endless with the right attitude.
“If I continue to perform well at Noosa and follow the coaches’ advice, my long-term goal may be to secure a contract with the Sunshine Coast Falcons with the intention of playing in the NRL.
“The Falcons have previously signed former international player Julien Rinaldi, indicating that opportunities are possible for French born players in Australia.
“It is important to have a clear plan and maintain a positive mindset while continually challenging yourself to achieve success in life.
“I make no apologies for wanting to be the best player I can be, I have made it this far, I just need to keep moving forward.
“I never abandoned my dreams, and now I am living them. It is an incredibly surreal experience.”
First published in Rugby League World magazine, Issue 509 (June 2025)