Wigan Warriors star Bevan French became the first winner of the renamed Rob Burrow Award after winning Man of the Match and he has now spoken about his incredible performance.
French scored the only try in an intense Grand Final as Wigan defeated Hull KR 9-2 with the Warriors making history, earning their fourth piece of silverware in 2024.
They become the first team ever to do so in the summer era and the first side to do so at all since Wigan Warriors did so in 1994.
It’s also a sixth straight piece of silverware dating back to last season’s League Leaders Shield win and one of the men who has been integral to that is Bevan French, the 2023 Man of Steel and now the 2024 Rob Burrow Award winner.
The Australian has made history though, becoming the first man to win Man of the Match in both the Challenge Cup Final and the Grand Final in the same year, something he was informed of when interviewed on Sky Sports.
“I didn’t know that”, the Wigan Warriors man conceded.
“It’s been an emotional week. We knew that history was on the line with the chance to be the first to go four in a year.”
Wigan Warriors star excited for next ‘four years’
Wigan Warriors seem to be in the early stages of a dynasty with the club on an incredible march and only looking to get stronger. One reason for that is the fact that so many key pieces are tied down long-term, including Bevan French who has now spoken on his plans for the next four years with the Cherry and Whites.
Part of his loyalty to the club comes from the fact they’re such a family-orientated side, evidenced by the fact that they flew in his family last night to surprise him.
“The club is so special to me, they flew my family in last night. It’s just crazy,” French revealed.
On why 2024 meant more, French said: “The history behind it all. The fans, the build-up with Hull KR, this one just meant more. Like I said yesterday, the club went above and beyond to surprise me by flying over my brother and uncle.
“It’s a special day. I might not get to feel this again so I’m just trying to take it all in. I can’t wait to party with all of Wigan tonight and the next couple of days.”
Speaking further on the club and their success in the past, present and almost certainly the future, French referenced the club’s foundations and suggested that he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon despite constant suggestions that he could make it back in the NRL.
“You look at the history and what they’ve built their foundations on, it’s family first, all that sort of stuff. It’s a pleasure to be a part of and I’m just grateful, not only for right now, but for this year, the past four years, and the next four years.”
TRY FOR WIGAN WARRIORS ✅
Bevan French delivers a try as good as any we’ve seen on this stage 😳 pic.twitter.com/yu45AlMEyy
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) October 12, 2024
His try was the difference on the night and 13 years after Rob Burrow’s game-breaking try, it was French’s turn and that saw him lift the Rob Burrow Award.
On that brilliant score, he described his feelings: “It’s just trying to stay calm and collected throughout the whole process. Everyone will tell you that you couldn’t hear anyone besides us. Obviously, your breath’s going through the roof. It’s hard to stay calm. It’s the hardest thing, especially in a high-pressure environment like this.
“It’s a packed-out stadium and the atmosphere is crazy. I guess it just comes down to having the connection and trust with everyone around me and knowing that if it doesn’t come off then they’ll have your back. They did that for me and that’s what it comes down to.”
john weldrick
October 12, 2024 at 9:14 pm
what does a coach have to do to be crowned coach of the year, obviously winning every single trophy available isn’t enough, and as for lewis man of steel , an absolute joke , he was like a statue as French ran rings around him , pathetic decisions made by fools