Parramatta captain speaks out on possible Bevan French return

Clint Gutherson says “it’ll be great for the club” if Bevan French returns to Parramatta next season.

Rumours have linked French with an Eels reunion after leaving to join Wigan in July 2019.

The 24-year-old has impressed in Super League and is in contention for this year’s Man of Steel award.

It’s reported French will be brought back to play in the no.1 role despite Eels skipper Gutherson currently occupying that position.

Gutherson claimed the NRL’s full-back of the year award and was a single vote away from being named the 2020 Dally M Medallist on Monday night.

However, Michael Jennings recent suspension for an alleged doping breach could see Gutherson switched to the centres with French taking over at full-back in 2021.

Speaking at the Dally M Medal awards night, Gutherson said: “I haven’t spoken to anyone from the club. If Bevvy comes back it’ll be great for the club and we’d love to have him.

“I’d love to keep playing full-back and we’ll see what happens and what the club have in mind.”

Wigan have a ready-made replacement should French leave after securing the signing of speedster Jai Field.

Field, 23, was released by Parramatta last week and will arrive at the DW Stadium for the 2021 season.