Mark Kheirallah: Why I chose Featherstone Rovers

France international Mark Kheirallah has explained his reasoning about why he chose ambitious Championship club Featherstone as his next destination. 

The 32-year-old full-back has joined Championship high-flyers Featherstone after his release from Super League newcomers Toulouse.

Kheirallah scored 123 tries in 177 appearances for Toulouse across 10 seasons. However, he was released by the club without playing a game in 2022 due to what the club deemed as ‘gross misconduct’.

He is expected to link up with his new team-mates in two-to-three weeks when his visa is approved.

On joining Featherstone, Kheirallah said: “I’m really excited, it’s another opportunity to get promoted and gives me a purpose in life to play rugby league.

“It’ll be interesting to see another perspective of the game. Brian McDermott’s achieved so much in the game so I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“It’s another opportunity to live in a different country and to experience new things.

“I’ve had a few conversations with Brian. We spoke for over an hour the other day on the phone, he’s got some opinions on the game and I’m looking forward to seeing that different perspective in person. I’m relishing the change.

“It was always nerve racking playing against Fev, a really competitive and physical team with some really smart footballers. I knew I had to be at my best to compete with them.

“To have the opportunity to be part of that fear they place on other sides would be really beneficial and interesting.”

Mark Kheirallah background

Kheirallah was born and raised in Australia. He made a solitary NRL appearance for Sydney Roosters in 2011 before joining Toulouse the following season.

The Darlinghurst-born full-back won four caps for France at the 2017 World Cup. He qualified to play through the residency rule. He last played for France in the end of year test against England last autumn.

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