THERE was such faith in Bevan French succeeding in the Parramatta No.1 jersey, when talk briefly turned to luring Jarryd Hayne back to the club, it was as a potential switch to five-eighth, rather than fullback.
Parramatta were on a collision course with the Hayne Plane on Friday night but an ankle injury has grounded the Titans fullback for what would have been his first NRL foray against the Eels on the Gold Coast.
It would have also been his first hitout against French, the man who has excelled in the Parra fullback role in the opening two matches.
Parramatta's Bevan French attempts to evade the tackle of Manly forward Lewis Brown in round one. Picture: Gregg Porteous
Eels coach Brad Arthur could not fault the form of livewire French as they chase their third straight victory to start the season, a feat they have not achieved since 1993.
“We were always confident and knew what we want with our team moving forward, and Bevan was always a big part of our plans,’’ Arthur told The Daily Telegraph.
“That’s why we re-signed him early in the piece until 2019 with the view he was the long-term future for us.
“He’s willing, he wants to be better, he knows he still has a lot to learn in the fullback role, especially in defence. He’s always doing video and never making excuses.
“While he’s got that attitude, as a coach they’ll only get better.
Arthur said it would have been good for the Gold Coast fans to see Hayne go up against his former club.
Bevan French scores a try during Parramatta’s win over St George Illawarra Dragons at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Picture: AAP
The Titans snuck under the guard of Parramatta to lure him to the holiday strip towards the back end of last season.
But as Hayne battle injuries and recent headlines about his dedication to training, French has quickly impressed in the new role after shining on the wing as a rookie last season.
A hamstring injury to Corey Norman means Jeff Robson will call the shots at halfback, with Arthur pointing out the veteran had spent more time in the halves with Clint Gutherson than Norman.
Despite being limited by a hamstring strain after the opening half-hour, Norman’s effort against the Dragons was superb, following on from his starring role in the round-one win over Manly.
Had the Titans game been played on Sunday, Arthur said Norman could have played.
“Robbo has experience, and he’ll be strong and disciplined for us,’’ Arthur said.
“I had a good chat to him in the pre-season, I told him we wanted to promote the younger blokes, they’re the future of the club, but at some stage I knew he’d come in handy, I was just hoping it wasn’t this early in the piece.
“He’s a good club person, he’ll play a role for us this week, and if needed again he'll do a good job for us.’’
Arthur said Kenny Edwards had been training well, with the suspended forward spotted being put through a series of early-morning sprint drills with conditioner Ronnie Palmer on Thursday.
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Lurker says we are interested in Bird for 5:8- depending on how Guth goes
He's too small for first grade and Norman is way too tall for a halfback
Tee hee, chuckle chuckle, you got me..... But we should of stuck with SK and his 5yr plan though!!!!!!!
Hay Carl what about Kyle Feldt I think he a goal kicker to from the Cowboys give him semi money
Feldt not worth Semi money. Max out at about $300ish K
misleading headline, BA's quotes in the article don't confirm this at all