“I hope he comes back” – What NRL legends had to say about Bevan French prior to his new Wigan Warriors contract

Bevan French put in a Man of the Match performance to help Wigan Warriors lift the World Club Challenge over Penrith Panthers which saw two NRL greats make the case for French to return to the NRL, something that is now off the cards following confirmation of French’s new four-year contract.

The reigning Man of Steel joined Wigan Warriors midway through the 2019 season and since then the Australian has been sensational in Cherry and White.

After scoring 31 tries in Super League in 2022, the 28-year-old transitioned into the halves during the 2023 campaign, a move that would help guide Wigan to a Grand Final victory and subsequent World Club Challenge win.

The victory over Penrith back in February saw French as the heartbeat of Wigan once again, creating the first try with a brilliant cut-out pass before then marshalling the game alongside Harry Smith.

French and Smith thought that they had combined to register Wigan’s fourth try with a piece of ingenuity but it was brought back with video referee Chris Kendall deeming the Australian just offside.

Despite that, Wigan Warriors managed to hold on and secure a famous victory but it left tongues wagging down under with Australian legends Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have making the case for French to return to the NRL.

Speaking on ‘Freddy and the Eighth. an NRL Nine show that the two star on alongside host Mat Thompson, they discussed that pass for the opening try.

Fittler explained: “Bevan French, I actually pointed out that you’re taught to put the ball on your hip and he had one go at it. He did that to perfection”

Johns, believed by many to be the best half-back of all time, chimed in to note that the pass “was brilliant”, with neither Fittler or Johns aware that it was something French had in his locker.

“I hope he comes back” – NRL legends wanted Wigan Warriors star to make NRL return

The two continued to talk up the talent of the Wigan Warriors man and named French alongside one other player that they want to see in the NRL.

When asked by host Mat Thompson if French has the ability to return down under as an outright half-back, and not simply a utility, Johns was certain in his answer.

“For sure,” he responded.

“He’s one of those players that you can’t coach against because you don’t know what he is going to do.

“He would be a sensation to come back. I hope he comes back.

“I think Newcastle were chasing him last year, he’s a special player. And Jai Field, I’d love to see him back too.”

He also explained the importance that French and Wigan Warriors have played in lifting the English game with the win, although he did explain what could have tripped up Penrith.

Johns explained: “It’s great for the game over there. It’s incredibly hard to go to England with a short preparation. If you have a look at the last twenty years, or maybe more, they pretty much lose the first test. Almost every time that we went, we lost the first game through jet lag, adjusting to climate and all of that.

“The English lift, I think it’s great for the game.”

Brad Fittler, who has formerly been the coach for New South Wales, raved about the impressive way Matt Peet’s side defended whilst also touting Jai Field for an NRL return based on his impressive display.

“One thing that they did really well was defend their edges,” Fittler noted.

“They understand the conditions and the slipperiness and how hard it is to change direction.

“Their edge defence was excellent, the ball never got past two passes because they just timed it so well in how they moved up. Alternatively, they’d slide and push you into a corner.

“That tackle on Taylan May was great. He waited for him to make the decision, understood his own speed and the conditions and then just chased him down. It was the tackle of the night.”

Field extended his contract earlier this year but has expressed that he would want an NRL return at some point but for now both him and French look set to remain in Cherry and White for the years to come.