Chase in Albi colours. Diesels supports will have enjoyed seeing him swap those for the blue and gold of Junee over the weekend against Gundagai.
The mid-season inclusion of Chase Bernard, Ben Shea, and Mickael Goudemand marks a seismic shift for the Junee Diesels in the Group 9 competition. This trio of victors, fresh off a SuperXIII title with the Albi Tigers, isn’t just adding depth; they’re injecting a potent mix of professional experience, winning mentality, and tactical acumen that could genuinely transform the Diesels’ 2025 campaign. Currently sitting 7th on the ladder with a 3-5 record after eight rounds, Junee is poised for a significant climb.
Let’s break down what each player, and their combined presence, means for the Diesels:
Chase Bernard: Crucially, Bernard is not entirely new to the Diesels, having played for half of the 2024 season with the club. This prior stint means he arrives with an invaluable understanding of the Group 9 landscape and an established rapport within the existing Junee squad, allowing him to hit the ground running. As a powerful prop and lock, Bernard brings an unyielding work rate in the middle, known for his strong carries and tenacious defence. His leadership, honed through a title-winning season in France, will be critical in tightening up Junee’s forward pack and setting a higher standard for professionalism.
Ben Shea: A two-time premiership medallist in the Queensland Cup with Wynnum ManlyS eagulls before his stint in France, Ben Shea brings a wealth of high-level rugby league experience. As a middle forward, his presence will complement Bernard’s, creating a formidable engine room for the Diesels. Shea’s extensive background in competitive leagues means he’s accustomed to intense pressure and knows what it takes to win consistently. His strong leadership qualities, coupled with Bernard’s, will be instrumental in guiding the Diesels, particularly their younger players.
Mickael Goudemand: The signing of Mickael Goudemand is perhaps the biggest coup. A French international and a Challenge Cup laureate with Catalans Dragons, Goudemand has played 99 games in the elite SuperLeague and 18 for Leeds in 2024 before joining Albi. His pedigree is undeniable. As a second-rower/loose forward, he offers versatility, a high work rate, and crucially, exceptional ball skills and game awareness. As Diesels coach Ben Shea highlighted, Goudemand is a “very professional player… with good ball skills, good leg speed, runs hard, can tackle, and is a brilliant, good worker.” His ability to “ball play through the middle” will significantly benefit Junee’s halves, “unlock[ing] the wider areas of the park” and create more space for the Diesels’ outside backs. He’s the “ultimate professional” whose influence will extend beyond his onfield performance to elevate the entire squad’s standards.
The Collective Impact on the Diesels:
• Elevated Standards and Professionalism: The trio’s experience in semi-professional and professional leagues, culminating in a French triumph, instantly raises the bar for the entire Diesels squad. Their work ethic, tactical discipline, and winning mentality will be infectious, pushing existing players to new heights. As Diesels President David Holt noted about Bernard, “You could see the players around him lift because of his attitude and the way he spoke to people.”
• Enhanced Forward Pack:
Bernard, Shea, and Goudemand significantly bolster Junee’s forward rotation. Their collective power, defensive tenacity, and ability to generate quick play-the-balls will give the Diesels a dominant platform, allowing their halves and outside backs more time and space to execute. This addresses a common challenge for Group 9 teams in maintaining consistent go-forward.
• Tactical Acumen and Leadership:
Beyond their playing abilities, Bernard and Shea’s dual role as co-coaches is a game-changer. They bring fresh tactical in-sights and an understanding of modern rugby league strategies from Europe. Their ability to both lead from the front on the field and guide from the sideline will be invaluable. Goudemand’s high football IQ will further contribute to this on-field leadership.
• Turning Close Losses into Wins:
Junee’s 3-5 record includes several tight games earlier in the season that slipped away. The injection of this high-calibre trio provides the composure, experience, and sheer talent to “turn into wins” those close encounters. Their ability to make crucial plays in key moments, as Bernard did in the Super XIII Grand Final, will be vital in pushing the Diesels into a finals contention spot.
• Mentorship for Young Talent:
The Diesels already boast a quality playing group with young talent. The opportunity for these developing players to train, play alongside, and be mentored by such decorated athletes will be immense. This is a crucial element for long-term club success, ensuring that knowledge and professionalism filter through the ranks. In essence, the arrival of Bernard, Shea, and Goudemand transforms the Junee Diesels from a mid-table side into a legitimate title aspirant. Their combined experience, leadership, and professional winning habits are poised to redefine the Diesels’ season and leave a lasting legacy on the Group 9 competition.
-Tully Potts
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