Parramatta stars Bevan French and Clint Gutherson in battle to secure the Eels’ fullback jumper and their futures
FROM $20,000 rookie to one of the NRL’s most in-demand players in two seasons, Bevan French’s rise has been remarkable. But Clint Gutherson could give the Eels an impossible problem.
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FROM a $20,000 rookie contract to one of the NRL’s most in-demand players in two seasons — welcome to the remarkable rise of Parramatta flyer Bevan French.
The Tingha-born back was electric for the Eels at fullback in Saturday night’s comprehensive trial victory over Newcastle.
French scored two tries and set up a third to put his hand up to wear the No.1 jumper in Parramatta’s opening round clash against Penrith.
The 22-year-old isn’t a free agent until November, but he is already attracting interest from rival NRL teams.
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This has prompted French’s management to declare the prodigious talent won’t stay at Parramatta for anything less than his market value.
French’s preference is to play fullback, but he faces a battle to remain there long-term due to Clint Gutherson — who excelled at No.1 last season before hurting his knee.
Gutherson is due back from his knee injury in round three, which will create a selection headache for the Eels.
French could easily slip onto the wing, but to maximise his next deal his preference would be to remain at fullback.
Only problem, Gutherson has previously starred in the No.1 jumper and would be favoured to play there when he returns from injury.
French, though, has proven he can perform at fullback and it leaves Parramatta coach Brad Arthur with a tough decision.
In addition, French and Gutherson are off-contract in 2019 and become free agents from November 1 this year alongside fellow big names Michael Jennings, Mitch Moses and Corey Norman.
This list will push all players to produce their best to secure their futures.
Parramatta legend Peter Wynn believes Gutherson and French fighting for the fullback position will be particularly advantageous for the Blue and Golds.
“I think it’s a bonus for the club that Parramatta has two blokes of that ability,” Wynn said.
“Our backline is in a good state and we’ve got plenty of depth.
“Obviously the coach will have a good eye of what guy plays fullback, but it’s good to have two players vying for the position.
“A lack of depth cost us last year when French and Gutherson were out injured.”
The Eels will also be without Fijian flyer Semi Radradra this season following his decision to remain in French rugby union.
Wynn says Radradra’s absence could be telling and it’s vital Gutherson and French take on bigger roles.
“Semi isn’t going to be there, so it gives these guys an enormous opportunity to show how good they are,” he said.
“Then their values will skyrocket the better they play.”
Wynn says the Parramatta faithful are itching for the season to start. This was on display on Sunday when his sports store was full of excited Eels fans following the team’s dominant trial victory over Newcastle in Maitland.
“The amount of Parramatta fans that came into the shop on Sunday was fantastic,” he said.
“They are hanging out for the season to start and they have high expectations for the Eels this season.
“The normal Parramatta fan is happy when their team plays well, but they are really hanging out for a premiership.”