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If only I had a dollar for every time a rumour about Bevan French being linked to the Dogs comes up!
Parramatta is in secret talks with speedster Bevan French to make a shock NRL return next season, and you won’t believe the talk about what position he might slot back into.
French is currently playing with Wigan in the Super League but has been in discussions with his former club.
Canterbury has also been mentioned as a possible destination.
At this point it is unlikely French will end up at the Bulldogs, whose top priority right now is signing Kyle Flanagan.
But Parramatta’s interest is genuine and comes on the back of utility speedster Jai Field’s exit to take up a spot at Wigan.
While French could also potentially fill the role Field played as a back-up for the halves, there is talk in rugby league circles that coach Brad Arthur could have some other bigger plans for French that would shock everyone.
It’s no secret French’s favoured position is fullback.
Given you wouldn’t think French would want to return to play reserve grade, or as back up for starting wingers Maika Sivo and Blake Ferguson, another left field suggestion has been raised.
On the surface it would seem ridiculous to even suggest moving inspirational skipper Clint Gutherson from the No. 1 jumper.
But the idea put forward might not be as far-fetched as it sounds given the drama surrounding Michael Jennings.
It’s no secret Brad Fittler is looking to play Gutherson at centre for NSW in the upcoming State of Origin series.
The talk now is that might have given the Eels something to think about.
With Jennings’ career under a huge cloud after he tested positive to two banned substances, Parramatta has also let go of Brad Takairangi for next season.
French has that sizzling speed of a Ryan Papenhuyzen and at 24 is coming into his best football years.
He has already proven prolific tryscorer, scoring 35 tries in 47 games at Parramatta while crossing for 16 tries in 23 matches at Wigan.
There is going to be huge expectation on Parramatta in 2021 after the backdoor exit from the finals.
All sorts of mad ideas have been thrown up in recent days including a potential player swap between Mitchell Moses and Mitchell Pearce.
But while that has been knocked on the head, the French talks are legitimate and ongoing.
While it is not clear what plan Arthur might have for French, his speed would be well suited to the new rule interpretations
