Steel was approached to play lock and second row for the Pia XIII team in the top French league comp, the equivalent to the NRL.

The sport is an emerging one in France – so the skill level is not as high as in Australia.

“The depth of the comp is not as strong,” Steel said.

“The good teams are as strong as any, but the lesser teams are much weaker.”

This was the 23-year-old’s first trip overseas and it took some adjustment because he couldn’t speak a word of French when he arrived.

“It’s pretty daunting, but once you get over there you can pick up a fair bit.”

Four other Australians in their 20s played in the same team as Steel during the six-month stint, with Steel as the youngest.

Steel was pleased with his performance during the season, which saw his team make it all the way to the grand final.

Steel sustained a few injuries over the six months – including a torn quad and knee trouble with his patella tendon – which meant he had to sit out of the final match.

In the end, his team was beaten in the grand final.

Steel lived in Canet, near Perpignan, in the south of France, right on the Mediterranean.

“The way of life was unbelievable,” Mitch said.

Although Steel really enjoyed the footy, the season of play was not a huge stepping stone in terms of his career.

For him, it was much more of a cultural experience: a chance to see the world and enjoy a kind of working holiday.

“I lived in a part of the world where you could jump in the car, drive for half an hour and have lunch in Spain.

“Culturally, it was a real eye-opener and it gave me a different take on footy professionally.

“The people are quite traditional and set in their ways.

“For instance, the players will sit down for a big meal before a game and drink red wine.

“You’d never do that over here.”