Big Steve wrote:Slightly worrying article on nrl.com about Bevan still having an eye on a return to the NRL although not a real surprise.
Acknowledges he still has an eye on returning - which he has always been open about, and sees the WCC as an opportunity to put himself back in the shop window with his opportunities and time running out at getting a chance to return .
Last year he felt he owed something to the club and wanted to achieve things here for himself and the club before thinking about returning - which he probably achieved last year.
He's pretty level headed though and said rather than trying to stand out as an individual it be a better outcome if he shows he can stick to the team game plan.
Realistically this season is probably his last chance at getting a return and there's a strong possibility he'll get picked up as a squad player if he has another outstanding season in the halves. He's not going to make it in the NRL as a winger or FB.
French will have been here 5 and a half years at the end of 2024. We've probably had him in his prime years for a player like him as well. If it's important to him to have another NRL.stint then best wishes to him, although that would be dependent on him getting an offer (and I assume he'd want an offer to be first choice somewhere).
It would open up a marquee spot plus I'm not convinced that Farrimond and Smith can't play together as some have suggested.