Hakim Miloudi hailed bush footy fans after his man of the match performance in France's win over the Western Rams on Wednesday night.
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Miloudi, a versatile outside back, scored a double and also kicked three goals at Parkes to help his side score a 22-20 win and finish its tour of Australia on a high.
Disappointing performances at the World Cup 9s and then a 62-4 loss to the Junior Kangaroos, plus a host of off-field issues headlined by the departure of captain Jason Baitieri, meant there wasn't a whole lot of positivity around France coming into the game.
And while they weren't perfect in the game against the Rams and were frustrated with the officiating for long periods, the Miloudi-inspired win was all that mattered in front of more than 3000 fans at Parkes.
"It's an honour to get this award but this is because the whole team played well," Miloudi said after collecting the Steve 'Bear' Hall medal for the best on the ground.
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"I'm proud and it was a bit of a strange game but we need something like this to get better.
"It's not a big win but it is a win ... we're happy to finish with a smile."
The French squad had spent a number of days in the communities around the Parkes region leading into Wednesday night's game.
Since arriving on Sunday and receiving a welcome at a civic reception, there's been school visits, cooking classes, games of golf, and lessons on French culture.
While the crowd was firmly on the side of the Rams on Wednesday night there was also support for the French, something Miloudi and his teammates appreciated greatly.
"We like Parkes," the Toronto Wolfpack player said.
"All the people were behind us and people in town were looking after us.
"Derrick Hoe looked after us here and I'm really happy and proud of this country and town.
"It was crazy tonight with the fans. I'm not sure how many supporters there are but it was great."