BEVAN French can already feel like he has scored one victory over many Australians – just being considered as a human being.
Which is more than his grandparents had in tales they told their horrified family.
Wigan star French is a proud indigenous man and has experienced the taunts they can receive.
A recent referendum on giving them greater political rights – in the 21st century – saw 60 per cent vote no.
But while he hopes to triumph over Aussies by inspiring Wigan to World Club Challenge glory over Penrith, the discussion around what his family has had to put up with was triumph enough.
Current Steve Prescott Man of Steel French said: “When my grandparents were born and growing up, they weren’t even considered human beings.
“That’s how crazy it was and a lot of the players here were surprised when I told them.
“Things have definitely changed from when my parents and grandparents were kids, so things are changing in a positive way.
“It’s a good stepping stone for the country that the conversation’s being held. 10 years ago, you wouldn’t have even imagined that sort of stuff.
“We’re still not there but a decade ago, that conversation wouldn’t have even happened. So I guess it’s a positive that it is now.
“And over my years of talking to non-indigenous people, I’ve learned a lot of it is down to a lot of misunderstanding.
“Non-indigenous Australians don’t really see it from our point of view – our history’s not taught, so they don’t grow up knowing it.
“So it’s more a systemic thing rather than being person-to-person.”
French may be Australian, from the New South Wales town of Tingha, but he knows just what Wigan winning tomorrow’s World Club challenge would mean.
It would be another shot in the arm for the British game he has fallen in love with during his time here.
Those who cheered him on at old club Parramatta will also be happy as the Panthers are their rivals – even if they would have to get used to the former full back/winger playing stand off.
Aussie great Nathan Cleary, who played against him, is certainly surprised to be coming up against him in the halves.
The 28-year-old added: “The game needs it. It’s trying to make steps towards becoming bigger and better, so it would be great to see us beat Penrith.
“It would inspire a whole new crowd of players to pick up a rugby ball and it’d be great for England.
“I’m into my fifth year here and I can’t really believe it, it’s gone so quick. It’s flown.
“My thinking was a couple of years. I came over at the back end of 2019 with a clear image in my head of doing what I can to get a chance in the NRL.
“Then Covid-19 happened, then I was a year out injured. For two years nothing really happened but I’m not upset. I believe things happen for a reason.
“Time flies when you’re having fun and I’m looking forward to having fun against Penrith.
“They call Penrith v Parramatta the Battle of the West, it’s always a fiery game between those two but nothing compares to Wigan v St Helens – that’s crazy.
“You wouldn’t get grief walking through Parramatta in a Penrith shirt, it’s nothing like that. Rivalry here’s a completely different beast.”
