Huge wrap on Parramatta Eels' 17-year-old Bevan French

[Eelementary]

What Bevan French thinks about Clint Gutherson taking his Parramatta Eels No.1 jersey


Bevan French saw the writing on the wall weeks ago. He knew his position at fullback for Parramatta was under threat when he watched Clint Gutherson fire from the back in his absence through injury.

Which is why French was far from shocked when Eels coach Brad Arthur last week informed him he would slot back to the wing to accommodate Gutherson's semi-permanent transition to the No.1 position.

He didn't kick stones. He didn't whinge. It doesn't mean French isn't driven and determined to win back the fullback jersey, but he knows the best thing for Parramatta at this point of the season is to have Gutherson calling the shots from the back as he continues his development as an NRL player.

"I saw it coming to tell you the truth," French said after the Eels' 24-10 win over the Dragons on Sunday.

"When I was injured, I saw how Gutho was killing it at fullback. He's been going great guns. He's been very consistent all year. No matter where you put him he's one of the best on the park. Unfortunately injuries and stuff happen in footy, so when I got injured and he went back to fullback for a few weeks he was killing it.

"I came back and was a bit off the pace. It was in the back of my mind that something like that was going to happen. It is a bit of a motivation for the future but I'm only 21. I'm not going to get down in the dumps about it. I still have a long career ahead."

French made a number of pivotal plays in helping Parramatta to a somewhat uninspiring victory against a stuttering St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.

Gutherson also did his best to justify Arthur's show of faith, bagging a double in his side's sixth consecutive win against the Dragons.

Arthur made a point of praising French for his attitude despite informing the pint-sized pocket rocket that he would be relegated to the wing.

"He's short and sharp, Brad. He doesn't muck around," French said.

"He just said, 'mate, you're playing wing this weekend' and I said, 'yep, sweet'. That's all it was. I will do what's best for the team and Gutho at fullback, he's in great form, that's what is best for the team. Why not keep him in and around the footy. I wasn't upset at all. More than anything it's what is best for the team. Gutho is doing an outstanding job there.

"I saw it as an opportunity to cement my spot in another position. Definitely long-term my goal is to be fullback. But I realise now I'm only 21. I still have a lot to work on. My body is getting used to the game – the physical side and fitness. I wasn't down in the dumps about it. It's just another week in the office."

The Eels have made no secret of their desire to ensure French is the club's long-term fullback, but in the short-term – and possibly for the rest of the season – Gutherson will be their No.1.

One of the reasons the Eels did not pursue Jarryd Hayne was because of their belief in French, something that wasn't lost on him during the speculation regarding Hayne's future earlier in the year.

"It meant a lot to me to hear that stuff. [Arthur] said it at the back-end of last year and this year he gave me the opportunity to start the year as the one.

"To be starting fullback at 21 is a big wrap for me. I'm glad to see the faith they have shown in me. I heard a few rumours [about Hayne] but that wasn't in the back of my mind. Things like that are a distraction. I don't think about those things."

Champion kid, French.

 

[Dibs]

When are you all going to learn. Someone says black pou says white, someone says up pou says down and if next week someone says white or down pou will change to black and up

 

[Poupou Escobar]

So this is where the action is.....huh

Well this is the injury thread. And injuries are forcing us to take some big risks lately.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

When are you all going to learn. Someone says black pou says white, someone says up pou says down and if next week someone says white or down pou will change to black and up

I stick to my guns. Last year merkins were putting shit on Jennings for his attack - 'not passing' and so on. I told them all he was in the team for his defence. Fast forward twelve months and merkins finally appreciate the defence of Michael Jennings.

 

[Dibs]

I stick to my guns. Last year merkins were putting shit on Jennings for his attack - 'not passing' and so on. I told them all he was in the team for his defence. Fast forward twelve months and merkins finally appreciate the defence of Michael Jennings.

Sure you do Mr Bon Jovi

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Last year I criticised French's defence on the wing too.

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

Well this is the injury thread. And injuries are forcing us to take some big risks lately.

Don't we have our starting backline minus Hoff available? But now we've got Mr Fixit Gutherson available.

 

[phantom eel]

Who's complaining? I'm pointing out the negatives

I rest my case.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

Don't we have our starting backline minus Hoff available? But now we've got Mr Fixit Gutherson available.

What even is our 'starting backline'? We haven't used the same 1-7 two weeks in a row since the back-to-back wins against Souths and the Warriors. But Jennings and Norman weren't available for those games.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I rest my case.

Well if you think risk analysis = complaining it's no wonder everything has gone wrong with your life.

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

What even is our 'starting backline'? We haven't used the same 1-7 two weeks in a row since the back-to-back wins against Souths and the Warriors. But Jennings and Norman weren't available for those games.

I meant 1 to 5, since Norman and Moses are the obvious halves. And the starting backline was French, Semi, Jennings, Taka and Hoff. And now that they're all available except Hoff you could just replace him with that player you hate.

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I meant 1 to 5, since Norman and Moses are the obvious halves. And the starting backline was French, Semi, Jennings, Taka and Hoff. And now that they're all available except Hoff you could just replace him with that player you hate.

You mean Gutherson? Or do I hate French now?

And Hoffman is due back next game.

 

[I'm a loser baby...]

You mean Gutherson? Or do I hate French now?

And Hoffman is due back next game.

Guth, since he's now surplus to the halves. Didn't realise Hoff was back so soon.

 

[phantom eel]

Well if you think risk analysis = complaining it's no wonder everything has gone wrong with your life.

Huh?

But now that you mention it, I suppose replying to you on an internet forum isn't exactly the pinnacle of aspiration...

 

[84 Baby]

Well said. The merkin's just arguing to be controversial and he has softened his stance when MJC called him out. Save your breath.

I do if we f**king lose you imbecile

In the middle of f**king origin...

 

[hineyrulz]

Who knew injuries were so exciting???

 

[emjaycee]

I love Pou's contribution to this forum.
He talks more football than dribble and even if some don't like his style or his opinion, at least it is mostly football related.

I only call him out when he is way off track, but mostly I agree with his posts as they take the big picture view.

#thinkingmansposter

 

[Happy MEel]

So when people pointed out Joseph Paulo's negatives and wanted him dropped to NSW Cup we were all whingers.
When Pou points out French's weaknesses and wants him out of the 17 it's risk analysis.

Gotcha...

 

[Chipmunk]

It wont cost us, he's an assert not a liability.

I think he's actually both.

I'm not convinced French on the wing is going to work out long term, particularly once Semi is not in the team. I'll be interested in what our back five looks like if everyone is available to play.

 

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

He's definitely an assert.