Bevan French’s frustration at not being able to nail down a fullback spot at Parramatta could result in the Eels star moving on from the club.
French joins Corey Norman and Jarryd Hayne as big-name Eels whose future is clouded beyond this season. While Hayne is off contract at the end of the year, French and Norman are signed until the end of 2019. However, for different reasons, there is a growing feeling they may not see out their deals.
Future uncertain: Bevan French is frustrated he isn't Parramatta's fullback.
Future uncertain: Bevan French is frustrated he isn't Parramatta's fullback.
Photo: Jessica Hromas
French began the year as Parramatta’s first-choice fullback at a time when Clint Gutherson was injured, while Hayne wasn’t considered match-fit enough to fill the position. The Tinga product quickly found himself on the wing despite his preference to play in the No.1 jersey. Norman is the latest to be given a shot as coach Brad Arthur’s custodian, with Hayne yet to return from the hip complaint that has sidelined him since round four.
We can reveal that French’s representatives have sounded out rival clubs about their fullback needs, letting them know the try-scoring machine wants an opportunity to establish himself at the back. Gold Coast, North Queensland and Wests Tigers are among the sides on the lookout for a fullback, although the Tigers have made Canterbury’s Moses Mbye their priority.
French, who has scored 31 tries from 37 NRL appearances alternating between wing and fullback, is worth more on the open market as a custodian. If he was to get an offer elsewhere, the Eels would have to decide whether it is worth enforcing his contract.
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After starting the season as one of the premiership fancies but languishing in last place, there is widespread acknowledgement that Parramatta’s roster needs a major overhaul. Norman is also unsettled and has been down on form. After showing initial promising signs, his halves combination with Mitchell Moses isn’t working and it’s understood the Eels wouldn’t stand in his way if he asked for a release.
Hayne’s injuries have also prevented him from mounting a case for a contract extension. The former Titan hasn’t played since being sidelined with a hip injury injury in round seven, although he is expected to come back either this week or next. While he has taken a $700,000 haircut to return to the Eels, he is yet to give Parramatta much return on the $500,000 gamble they took on him.
The potential departures of Hayne, French and Norman would fast-track the roster revamp of the underperforming club.
The Eels board will meet on Wednesday and dissecting the diabolical start to the season will be high on the agenda. One of the discussion points will be whether the Eels need a head of football, a position currently the domain of chief executive Bernie Gurr.
There could be changes in the boardroom too. Parramatta chairman Max Donnelly, in his attempts to push through constitutional reform, will consider putting forward a motion allowing previous directors to again run for the board. That raises the prospect of the likes of Denis Fitzgerald, the self-proclaimed Emperor of Parramatta, returning to the corridors of power.
Replies
Don't worry ALL the players want to play under the SuperCoach Arthur.
I tipped this, hope Amandas reading this article lol
On your bike Bev, then we can get some real outside backs with size and power.
Id be very happy if this transpires.
Snake I heard Arthur was blowing up at certain players in November and December. Many are off him it seems. Sixties reported that everyone was happy at training.
Much more drama to come I don't think Arthur will survive the season.
If Bev thinks he can sook on the wing because he cant play fullback then he deserves to play fullback in wenty.
The fact is he isnt good enough to play FB in firstgrade in any team
How can any of our players think they are being hard done by?
As a team they've produced 2 wins in their last 13 outings ffs.
If he is sooking purely because Normz was chosen as Fullback, then he needs to get over it, Norman will not stay there, he will find his running game again and will be switched back to 6 and Gutho to 1
He should be playing prop
Bevan still has a lot to prove as a full time first grader. He has struggled this year in a beaten team as have many, But he has shown with all his weight gain that he is still no fullback.
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