Even after the most recent off-season playing in the European nation, the Western Suburbs premiership winner and Newcastle Rebels representative only really knows the basics.

It made his role as halfback for the Saint-Gaudens Bears in the Elite One Championship all the more interesting.

"We arrived on the Wednesday and played on the Saturday. I had jet lag and I didn't know a word of French," Keenan said.

"There were a couple of guys who spoke a little bit of English, but that was about it outside the three Aussies.

"It made playing halfback very interesting. There was a lot of pointing."

Keenan, aged 25 and playing overseas for the first time, was alongside South Newcastle forward and 2017 NSW Country player of the year Tori Freeman.

The Rosellas regular said the town of Saint Gaudens, located around an hour south-west of Toulouse towards the Spainish border, "lived and breathed footy" with crowds turning up playing "drums and bongos" each home game.

But having kicked off in November and with the Bears placed sixth on the ladder nearing semi-finals, the global coronavirus pandemic saw the competition suspended in mid-March and inevitably cancelled last month.

While always intending to come back to Australia post play-offs, Keenan said his return trip was brought forward for dual reasons - an injured shoulder that had him sidelined and the outbreak of COVID-19.

"I was already injured because I popped my shoulder and then coronavirus hit. I could see what was happening so I got out of there pretty quick," he said.

"Tori ended up staying there a couple of weeks longer and had to do the 14-day self-quarantine when he got home. It was a blessing in disguise I left when I did."

Keenan rejoined Wests during February and attended a few sessions before public health restrictions also arrived in the Hunter.

The Newcastle Rugby League competition remains on hold and clubs are still unable to train together but the current break, although forced, has helped the versatile player recover.

"I would have been pushing it to be back in time for the comp," he said. "I've been happy with the rest to be honest, not only for my shoulder but otherwise I would have been playing for two years straight."

Having bounced around several spots during 2019, Keenan was preparing to partner Luke Walsh in the halves at Wests with Chad O'Donnell now at Maitland and Ryan Walsh (ACL) out for the year.

The Rosellas had also lost Alex Langbridge, Pat Mata'utia, Willis Alatini (Maitland), Brad Tighe (Awabakal) and Mark Taufua (retired).

"We've lost over half-a-dozen from that team so it's a big challenge for a fair few new guys to walk in and defend a title, but it's a nice freshen up for the club and I'm looking forward to see where Todd [Lowrie] can take us," Keenan said.

In terms of last year's grand final success, having missed the 2018 semis and lost the 2017 decider, Keenan was delighted to claim a maiden premiership.

"It was an unreal feeling to get the monkey off my back," he said. "Something I'll never forget."

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN THE NEWS: