The Hull KR star was closely watched by his future St Helens rival.

Hull KR’s Arthur Mourgue is making his mark in Australia despite France’s heavy opening defeat to Samoa, with new St Helens signing Sean O’Sullivan left impressed by the full-back’s performance.

O’Sullivan has already had a glimpse of what he can expect from the Rovers No.1 in 2027, having agreed a deal to join St Helens ahead of the 2027 season from Canterbury Bulldogs.

The former Penrith Panthers, Dolphins and New Zealand Warriors playmaker was watching closely as France kicked off their campaign against Samoa, with the 2022 World Cup finalists running riot in Sydney in the opening round of action for a 78-4 result.

Despite the heavy defeat, Mourgue caught O’Sullivan’s eye against a star-studded Samoan side featuring the likes of NRL superstars Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Junior Paulo.

Wakefield Trinity Grand Final winner Jazz Tevaga also featured for Ben Gardiner’s side off the interchange bench.

Speaking on The Rugby League Insider Podcast, via FanaticsTV, O’Sullivan singled out Mourgue for praise, saying: “I thought Samoa were really good. I’m really enjoying these Pacific nations getting world-class halves now. We all know what Jarome Luai can do, and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at full-back, and they were scoring points for fun, really.

“I know they were playing against a France team that doesn’t have too much big-game experience and they’ll be better now for the run.

“I thought Arthur Mourgue was the shining light in that French team. He was very nippy, and he created a lot of opportunities for the French team.

“But that Samoa team is a first-class team. I’m really looking forward to the Samoa and Tonga game, and I know it’s sold-out already, and as footy fans, we’ll have that game circled in.”

France take on England this Saturday in Perth in the second round of the World Cup group stages.