ELOI Pelissier could have an effect on the business community in the south of France if London beat Catalans tonight.
His family runs a restaurant on the Dragons’ doorstep and he is waiting to hear if a bank gives the go ahead for him to open a gym just down the road in partnership with their former conditioner Rodney Howe!
Broncos hooker Pelissier loves life in London, where he is living on his own while his partner and 18-month-old child live in France because of her job.
But he is already making plans for life after rugby – and a favourable answer from the bank would help him achieve his dream.
“I want to open a gym in Canet en Rousillon and if the bank agrees to fund it, I hope to open in the summer,” said Pelissier, who insisted he trained like a professional even when he ended up back playing part-time rugby in his homeland after being ditched following Leigh’s relegation.
“Also, I hope to have a restaurant on it that serves healthy food but what we can do all depends on how the meeting goes and I hope to hear in the next two weeks.
“It’s something I want to create before I finish playing. It’s either go back to school and do some study or set something up. I’ve done my personal trainer exams and it’s something I want to do, I’ve got a few plans.”
Future plans aside, Pelissier has the immediate aim of downing his former club as the Broncos attempt to prove the doubters wrong by staying in Super League.
But like any proud Frenchman, his attention has turned to the devastating fire at Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral.
The 27-year-old added: “France is very sad at the moment. They want to do everything they can to rebuild and even though it’s in Paris, it’s a symbol of the whole country.
“It’s almost 1,000 years of history and it’s been very sad to see what has happened.”