It’s funny how quickly things can change in the world of rugby league. Bevan French knows this all too well. Four years ago, he was part of the Parramatta Eels team to win the Auckland Nines, scoring a record eight tries in the process, having also played 47 NRL games and scoring 35 tires.

Last season, he was frozen out of the Eels and got dropped to the Eels reserve side, the Wentworthville Magpies. Fortunately, on July 27th 2019, French signed a two-year contract with English powerhouse Wigan. This move has reinvigorated Bevan’s career.

In his first 11 Super League games, French has scored nine tries, an incredible return to top tier rugby league. In the first three games of the 2020 Super League season, he has scored three tries and got one try assist. This has seen French rise to fourth on the Man of Steel Award list.

👏 Fantastic French on the @StevePrescott1 #ManofSteel Leaderboard after Round 3! #WWRL https://t.co/gOsIYHbFMe pic.twitter.com/lVdVCkU33J

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) February 18, 2020

It makes one wonder if the Eels wrote him off too early. Obviously there is a slight skill gap between the NRL and Super League, however I still believe French is a quality player and could have been a match winner for any NRL club this season.

It is very possible that once his two-year deal expires, will we see him back in the NRL. He is an incredible talent and needed a break away from the Australian media spotlight. We could definitely see him being the starting fullback in a NRL premiership winning side down the track. Call me crazy, but this kid is special.