Wigan have a ‘Plan B’ if Bevan French returns home to Australia

Drew Darbyshire 08 Sep 2022 11:18 AM

Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet says the club will be prepared if star winger or full-back Bevan French returns to the NRL for 2023.

French, 26, remains off-contract for the 2023 season and has been reported with a move back to the NRL.

The flying finisher has scored 31 tries in the regular Super League season, including a record-breaking seven in one fixture.

French, who made his debut with Parramatta Eels, has been linked with a move to the Newcastle Knights in 2023 on a two-year deal.

However, the Australian-born player is yet to confirm his future.

“I wouldn’t say we are any closer and I wouldn’t say we are further away,” head coach Peet told Love Rugby League.

“He’s got to make a decision soon I would say.

“I’m unsure on which way he’ll decide to go. I know he loves it at the club and in Super League but I also understand why he’d be attracted to go home.”

‘Plan B’ if Bevan French returns to NRL

Peet insists that if French was to return home that the club will have other options in place ready for 2023.

The club may have a large part of their salary cap to spend next season, with captain Thomas Leuluai hanging up the boots at the end of the current campaign. He will remain at the club as assistant coach under Peet.

Meanwhile, centre Jake Bibby remains off-contract and James McDonnell will make the switch to Leeds.

If French was to leave, Peet added: “We won’t be caught out.

“We understand what we’d need to do if Bevan leaves. It wouldn’t be a rushed thing, we’ve got options as far as recruitment goes.

“We always make contingency plans in every position really.”

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