Ronan Michael leading Irish charge towards rugby league – and more are coming
RONAN Michael believes the trail he is blazing is making an impact – for Irish eyes are now looking towards rugby league.
The Balbriggan native was back on the big stage of the 13-a-side code as his York team pushed Super League side high flyers Leigh all the way in the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup on Sunday.
And after becoming the first Irish-born player for 11 years to play in the top flight when he was at Huddersfield in 2020, he believes he will not be an exception for much longer.
Just hearing messages from people at home and from players looking to try their luck in the sport convinces him of that.
Michael said: “In Balbriggan, people know about rugby league. People are talking about it.
“If I say rugby league, they say, ‘I know what that is.’ When I started, I didn’t have a clue.
“The sport is growing massively, for sure. People speak to me about how they get involved, how things are and what’s going on.
“Sam Webb-Campbell is currently at Huddersfield and is carving his own path out. There’s Toby Ellis, who’s in a development system in Australia.
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“There are young lads coming through trying to get on a flight, step out of Ireland and grow the game.
“A lot of young lads are messaging me about how they go about it – there’s a lot of interest and people ask, ‘How would you go about it and what can I do?’
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“I want that to become a streamlined process but it’s good that young kids are keen, are seeing their options and saying, ‘I want a bit of that. I like the look of this rugby league.’
“For us in Ireland, the game needs to grow internally then players need to go to England or Australia to really learn from that professional environment.”
Michael, 22, dropped down a level to Championship side York but more regular action than at Huddersfield is bringing more out of him.
And even though his side lost to Leigh 34-14 after leading 14-6 at one point, he compared it to taking on the might of then world number ones New Zealand with Ireland.
He added: “Playing New Zealand was the biggest eye opener for me as a player.
“At the time, they were ranked number one in the world and you’re thinking, ‘Oh my God. I watch these lads every week playing in the NRL. I’m going to go toe-to-toe with some of the best front rowers in the world.’
“But getting into that mental position that you’re going to go up against some of the best is a test – it can be make or break for some players.
“And those lessons about how you manage yourself going into a big game – like New Zealand – help in your career."