French to be mentored by NSW Legends

Parramatta Eels fullback Bevan French has been hand-picked to take part in a specialist pathways program under the guidance of NSW Legends.

French, along with rising NRL stars Luke Brooks asnd Mitchell Moses will take part in a specialist pathways program under the guidance of NSW True Blues legends Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Danny Buderus, Anthony Minichiello and Mark O’Meley at ANZ Stadium tomorrow (Wednesday, 21 December).

The young trio will be joined by more than 40 of the state’s most promising talents ranging from 14-22 years of age, including five country-based players, in a program designed to help guide the next generation of Blues players through position-specific sessions.

The session will have a strong focus on halves and hookers, with Johns and Fittler to mentor the No.6 and 7 contenders, while Buderus will run skill sessions for the hookers.

Players from country NSW will travel from as far as the Riverina and Tamworth, with the program providing a greater opportunity to regional-based players.

Newly appointed Blues assistant team manager Mark Donaldson will also address the players.

http://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2016/12/20/french_to_be_mentore.html

"TDS is still young, with plenty of improvement left in him. He could still play Flegg in 2026 ffs. And despite being two years younger than Ryley Smith, he has played nine more NRL games."

"HFK, Fair point. Sure, we could. But balancing incoming youth with experience is almost a perennial issue. A constant cycle. It never really goes away. At least not for too long. "

Replies

Wizardssleeves official receipts December 20, 2016 at 1:19pm

I'd be more comfortable if two Roosters representatives weren't taking Bevan under their wing .
- FME > Wizardssleeves official receipts December 20, 2016 at 1:29pm
  
  Ye I see what you are saying here wiz. He may well end up at the roosters if they get in his ear.
Longfin Eel December 20, 2016 at 1:19pm

I wonder if this is Sterlo's doing? It's also interesting to see that French has been earmarked as a potential half, although I suppose the modern fullback plays more like a half (or 5/8) anyway.
- Thooper Dooper Maltese Sparrow > Longfin Eel December 20, 2016 at 3:17pm
  
  He'd make a fantastic half if he was given the chance. Albeit a bit more bulked up and a shite load of tackling practice under his belt.
Nitram December 20, 2016 at 1:25pm

Great news and really good for Parra with free advice from some nsw greats.
Wizardssleeves official receipts December 20, 2016 at 2:18pm

Funny you mention Foran considering theres dubious link between A Johns and Eddie Hayson. One could argue that none of these blokes other than maybe Minichello had anything to offer Bevan . There isn't exactly a great train of superstars exploding out of the coaching and guidance of any of these clowns is there ?
- Hamish > Wizardssleeves official receipts December 20, 2016 at 4:14pm
  
  Wasn't Johns the Manly halves coach when a young halves pairing by the name of Foran and DCE won a premiership in 2011?
  
  French will learn plenty, and already has in his time this year under Gordon.
  
  It won't hurt him going either.
  - Wizardssleeves official receipts > Hamish December 20, 2016 at 7:14pm
    
    So if you're going to credit him with winning Manly a premiership through his spectacular halves coaching of DCE and Fiz then I'm assuming you're also happy to credit him with our wooden spoon when he was our halves coach ?
    
    And btw , let's just assume for arguments sake that the great A Johns through his impeccable coaching and guidance coached DCE and Fiz to glory . It's his connections and after hours antics Im actually flagging as my real concern .
Steve December 20, 2016 at 4:10pm

Bevan has a lot to like about him. He will be a real asset for our club whilst BA is steering the ship
Hamish December 20, 2016 at 4:15pm

Roosters just signed Gordon and are grooming Latrell for fb. Not sure why he would go to the Roosters when he is guaranteed the fb spot at eels.