The latest on the futures of high-profile Wigan duo Zak Hardaker and Bevan French following increasing speculation

The rumour mill has been heading into overdrive recently concerning two Wigan Warriors stars and their futures.

Whilst Zak Hardaker had previously been in talks with a move closer to home earlier in the year, Bevan French is currently at home in Australia with personal reasons and injury rehab meaning he has yet to depart to the UK.

With that, French is expected to meet with two NRL clubs in a bid to sort out his future beyond 2022.

However, new Wigan Warriors head coach Matty Peet has revealed that French is an important player for the club, but that he will be given as much time as necessary to get himself right Down Under.

“He’s important and a special talent, but he’s one cog in the machine and he’s one player,” Peet told the By The Balls podcast.

“We’ve got to be ready to play without him but there’s no doubt that we are at our best when he’s on the field.

“It’s important that Bevan knows he has our support and I think he does; we will be ready to welcome him when he comes back.

“We won’t be rushing him back on the field as it needs to be at the right time and with the right amount of training with and without the ball.”

Peet also stressed that no date has been given for French’s return.

“There’s no date yet, it’s when Bevan takes care of his personal issues. but he’s doing everything he can to hit the ground running.

“I’m preparing not to have him in round one but when he is good to go we will get him in.”

The new Wigan boss – who became assistant coach under previous boss Adrian Lam – revealed that he has since spoken with Hardaker about goals for the upcoming season and the fullback/centre is raring to go.

“Zak is the same as Bevan, they are in the group of our more exciting players and we are hoping they have massive seasons for us.

“But, they are part of a group of a squad of 30 players. with Bevan and with Zak or without them we need to be prepared.

“I met Zak last week, he looked great, he’s motivated and he is keen to have a great year.

“Zak’s passionate about having a big season and doing well for England and I hope we can guide him and get him firing.”