Parramatta Eels eye Bryce Cartwright, Bevan French
One down, one to go — Parramatta’s busy recruitment drive continues with the Eels looking to land rugby league enigma Bryce Cartwright. But another signature is proving harder to secure.
Dean Ritchie,
David Riccio, The Daily Telegraph
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October 29, 2020 2:42pm
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Parramatta has started talks with off-contract NRL star Bryce Cartwright.
But the club’s pursuit of former Eels flyer Bevan French has hit a major hurdle with Wigan offering the 24-year-old the biggest contract of his career to stay in the UK.
While no deal has been struck, discussions are progressing with Eels coach Brad Arthur known to be a huge fan of Cartwright’s ability.
Cartwright, 25, split with Gold Coast last month and continues to search for a new club after returning to Sydney.
It is understood Parramatta would offer Cartwright a one-year contract.
“He definitely hasn’t signed yet – there are still things to work through,” said Cartwright’s manager, Allan Gainey.
“Discussions are going on but nothing has yet been decided on.
“It may happen but there hasn’t been a contract signed or an agreement of terms at this stage.”
Cartwright was earning around $450,000 a season at the Titans but would be forced to take a hefty pay cut by joining Parramatta.
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The Sydney Roosters have also been mooted as a club that may have an interest in Cartwright.
Asked by News Corp last month why an NRL club should punt on him, Cartwright said: “Because of the shit I have dished up over the last three years There’s no way I want to do that again.
Bryce Cartwright is could resurrect his NRL career with Parramatta.
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“I want to play NRL again – that hasn’t changed. I feel like I’ve still got so much more to offer. I won’t stop trying. It will come down to me proving to people that I can do it and I will do it.
“Ninety-nine per cent of people think I’m done. That’s another driving factor. It makes me want it even more. I want to prove to them that I will work my arse off.”
The Eels have been busy in the transfer market, already signing three players for next season.
French had been identified by the Eels as another target signing for 2021, with the electric outside back providing coach Brad Arthur a number of options in his backline.
But French is in such sizzling form in the English Super League with Wigan, club management have offered the Tingha-born talent a contract offer in excess of $350,000 a season.
French is the Super League competition‘s leading try scorer with 13-tries in 15-games this season and such is his appeal with fans, Wigan want him to become the face of the club’s marketing campaign.
Wigan‘s offer is for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Bevan French has been in great touch for Wigan. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Parramatta were offering — and still are — the lure of a return to the NRL and the prospect of returning to his family could entice French back to the club where he played 47-games between 2016 and 2019.
The Eels will be unable to match Wigan‘s offer, but remain hopeful French will consider returning to the blue and gold.
Wigan coach Adrian Lam has made no secret of his desire to keep French at the club.
“He‘s been unbelievable for us and he’s only going to get better if we can keep him here next year,” Lam told reporters earlier this month.
“We‘re doing our best to keep him.
“It‘s well known that he’s getting a few bites from the NRL but it’s not a done deal and be reassured we’ve left no stone unturned. I talk to Bevan every day and that will continue.
“We‘re working hard as a club to make sure he gets what he wants but at the end of the day it’s Bevan who has to make that decision.”
