By MARK CASHMAN

Southern Districts have pulled off an enormous coup with the addition of Freddie Michalak to their wider coaching group for the 2021 Shute Shield season.

Michalak, who played 77 Tests for France between 2001 and 2015 including appearances at four Rugby World Cups, will work with the Rebels scrumhalfs and flyhalfs expanding their game management skills through the season.

He married an Australian girl Cindy after a pro career that saw him play in France, the UK and South Africa and he now has strong links to the Burraneer club in southern Sydney where his children play.

“He’s already had a sit down with our nines and tens and all the feedback that I have been getting has been hugely positive,” Souths head coach Todd Louden told Rugby News.

“His brief is to work on the guys’ game management and kicking skills and in the short time that he has been with us there have been some major steps forward.

“Freddie’s very much a man in demand and we are lucky that we have an international of his standing putting something back into club footy.

“His experience around the world at a number of clubs is pretty tough to match and it underlines the way that the Shute Shield is viewed not just here but around the world.”

Michalak did some skills work with the Waratahs’ playmakers during last year and has also been brought on board to do a similar role with the NRL Roosters this year.

He has been with the Roosters pretty much full-time since the start of the year and if the club’s start to the NRL season is anything to go by then this will be a masterstroke for Souths.

“He’s so smart. He obviously hasn’t played rugby league, but he’s so skilful. I can’t explain it. His skills are just so silky,” Roosters playmaker Luke Keary told Christy Doran at www.foxsports.com.au

“It’s just been cool to bounce ideas off him and we’re doing a heap of kicking together – it made up 80 per cent of his game, his kicking – he’s just so skilful and he’s such a good dude. He’s learning too, but I’ve learned a lot.”

Souths have already kicked off their trials and had a robust outings against the Two Blues last weekend.

Louden has been impressed with the arrival of backrower Josh Bokser, who he describes as a younger version of Marcus Carbonne.

Bokser had been part of the Crusaders Academy and played for Lincoln University but wanted to play club footy that was tough and consistent, something that has fallen away in recent times in New Zealand.

“Josh has been mentored by All Black Luke Romano and he will add a hell of a lot to our program here over the next couple of years,” Louden said.

“He’s good enough to make the jump up to Super Rugby level and everyone at Souths is keen to see how he develops and matures.”

IMAGE; NSW RUGBY