Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:20 am  

Slightly worrying article on nrl.com about Bevan still having an eye on a return to the NRL although not a real surprise.

Acknowledges he still has an eye on returning - which he has always been open about, and sees the WCC as an opportunity to put himself back in the shop window with his opportunities and time running out at getting a chance to return .

Last year he felt he owed something to the club and wanted to achieve things here for himself and the club before thinking about returning - which he probably achieved last year.

He's pretty level headed though and said rather than trying to stand out as an individual it be a better outcome if he shows he can stick to the team game plan.

Realistically this season is probably his last chance at getting a return and there's a strong possibility he'll get picked up as a squad player if he has another outstanding season in the halves. He's not going to make it in the NRL as a winger or FB.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:42 am  

Big Steve wrote:

Slightly worrying article on nrl.com about Bevan still having an eye on a return to the NRL although not a real surprise.

Acknowledges he still has an eye on returning - which he has always been open about, and sees the WCC as an opportunity to put himself back in the shop window with his opportunities and time running out at getting a chance to return .

Last year he felt he owed something to the club and wanted to achieve things here for himself and the club before thinking about returning - which he probably achieved last year.

He's pretty level headed though and said rather than trying to stand out as an individual it be a better outcome if he shows he can stick to the team game plan.

Realistically this season is probably his last chance at getting a return and there's a strong possibility he'll get picked up as a squad player if he has another outstanding season in the halves. He's not going to make it in the NRL as a winger or FB.

French will have been here 5 and a half years at the end of 2024. We've probably had him in his prime years for a player like him as well. If it's important to him to have another NRL.stint then best wishes to him, although that would be dependent on him getting an offer (and I assume he'd want an offer to be first choice somewhere).

It would open up a marquee spot plus I'm not convinced that Farrimond and Smith can't play together as some have suggested.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 18, 2024 10:15 am  

Agree we've had a great return from French and it's been a pleasure to have him here for so long.

If he does go I hope he kills it in the NRL and doesn't just end up as cover playing in the 2nd tier.


Obviously there are big expectations of Farrimond and we have to have a pathway for him to progress otherwise there's always the chance he moves on - next year maybe one too early though. Realistically we'll only know once he starts to play in the first team. ?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Sun Feb 18, 2024 10:33 am  

French has certainly exceeded my expectations since he moved to 6. At the time it seemed like a makeshift option, that got him more involved in the game.

That being said and like others have mentioned, we've had an excellent return from him. If he leaves, then he does so with everyone's blessing.

Either way, I just hope we sort it out early. If he stays, I'm happy. Likewise if he decides to leave, then announce it early and use the quota spot and salary to recruit a top draw replacement.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Feb 19, 2024 1:14 pm  

French has been nothing but great since he came but honestly if he decided to return to the NRL I really don’t see him as anything but cover as good as he is for Wigan,such is the gulf between the 2 comps,personally I hope he and Field for that matter end their playing careers here rather than return on a pipe dream and end up playing second fiddle

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Feb 19, 2024 1:45 pm  

Stranger wrote:

French has been nothing but great since he came but honestly if he decided to return to the NRL I really don’t see him as anything but cover as good as he is for Wigan,such is the gulf between the 2 comps,personally I hope he and Field for that matter end their playing careers here rather than return on a pipe dream and end up playing second fiddle

I agree - too lightweight to be on the wing over there, too inexperienced to be trusted at 6. At fullback - possibly but only for one of the lower sides.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Feb 19, 2024 2:11 pm  

I feel like French has a really good opportunity to prolong his career over here as a stand off. If he goes back he’s really limiting his playing opportunities and potentially cutting short his career by a few years.

From a professional point of view, staying here would seem to be the best option, but if it’s a personal decision to go back then fair play to him.

One thing is for certain, he’s been absolute magic to watch and we have been lucky to have had him! Really hope he stays as most of our key players are on fairly long contracts now…it would be the cherry on top keeping him!

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Feb 21, 2024 3:53 pm  

JWH signed 1 year deal at HKR

Be good (interesting) seeing him in SL

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Feb 21, 2024 4:02 pm  

[Gareth] wrote:

JWH signed 1 year deal at HKR

Be good (interesting) seeing him in SL

If he plays 5 games they'll have done well.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Feb 21, 2024 4:23 pm  

I love JWH and will really enjoy watching him play but he’s just not the type of player the modern game in SL is about.

I’m sure though he will be entertaining whilst he is over here.