Canberra Raiders halfback Sam Williams hopes the terrorism and violence which has devastated France won't deter players from following his lead by playing in the country.
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Williams enjoyed a brief stint with France's Super League side, Catalans Dragons, last year before taking his second Raiders chance with both hands.
Australians playing in France is far more commonplace in rugby union, with their cashed up clubs making it increasingly difficult to keep players in Super Rugby.
But Williams insisted players "shouldn't let them [terrorists] win".
"I didn't know anybody involved in the attacks, but I know a lot of the French boys are taking it pretty hard at the moment, they've only just finished playing Test matches as well," Williams said.
"It's pretty scary in terms of people going overseas and looking for opportunities to play in France.
"Not that you want to let it affect you, but it's always something you'd have in the back of your mind if you were thinking about playing over there.
"You don't want to let them win and stop everyone from living their lives, but if you've got a young family and have a chance to go over there, I'm sure it'd be a different matter.
"You want to look after yourself but if you've got a couple of kids you're probably worried about their safety and taking them into something like that.
"You'd like to think it won't affect people from going over there because it's such a beautiful country, but you would fully understand why people would think twice about taking their family over there."
Raiders recruits Jeff Lima and Elliott Whitehead both played alongside Williams at the Dragons.
Former New Zealand international Lima has already joined the squad, while back-rower Whitehead scored two tries in England's 20-14 win over the Kiwis in their Test series decider on Sunday.
Williams watched the series and said the Whitehead left a little in his kit bag and hopes his creativity will be encouraged in the NRL.
"He's probably got a bit more in his arsenal he hasn't brough out in the Test matches, it's a different style of footy to club level," he said.
"For a back-rower a lot of his game is based on instinct, a lot of the time he'll play what he sees.
"That's one of the biggest advantages he'll bring down here, Catalans encourage back-rowers to look up and if they see space to take it.
"That style really suits him so hopefully he doesn't go away from what works and isn't gun shy about doing it.
"I think Ricky [Stuart, Raiders coach] understands his game and what he can offer, I don't think he'd curb what he's got.
It remains to be seen how Whitehead will be used at Canberra, given Mal Meninga medallist Sia Soliola and Queensland Origin player Josh Papalii start in the back row.
"He'll bring a different dimension, there's only a handful of skillful back rowers as they often get pigeon holed into running lines and doing a job," Williams said.
"Every team needs that, but he's got an extra dimension to his game which should complement what we've got already."
Despite his strong form last season Williams faces a big battle to keep his first grade spot, with Gold Coast recruit Aidan Sezer favourite to wear the No.7 jersey in round one.
The Raiders also signed promising playmaker Lachlan Croker for the next two years last week, putting more pressure on Williams entering the final year of his two-year deal.
"As I've always said it's such a vital position and there's going to be times when other people get called upon," Williams said.
"It's important to have that depth and people pushing each other."
