Bevan French

[Exiled Wiganer]

I met him in 2007 and had a long conversation with him. He was lovely. He was also the finest 6 I have seen in my life (in my opinion).

But was he also the best fullback and winger?

French is literally the only player who could slot in at all 3 positions and still be the best in the league! Tomkins possibly in 2 of them but no one that I can think of in all 3.

I don’t know, but he was a world class centre. He was a star in the greatest Kangaroo side in history, and was picked ahead of Wally Lewis. I love French, and of course his contribution to the club is already far greater than Kenny’s. But Kenny was one of the all time greats.

[thegimble]

Trent Barrett was an outstanding player.
But as long term signing Bevan is one of the greatest, his ability to influence games is phenomenal, as is his speed.
Some stains fans believe we are a one man team and without him we would be no good, they underestimate the rest of our team. But I do see their way of thinking, not too sure how we would be as effective if he was injured.

Barrett is the better individual when the team played well. He would be unplayable in this team. French though week in week out has produced displays and consistencies I have not seen before.

Someone mentioned Marshall.

He for me is the winger equivalent of French. Most solid underrated player in Super League. Hardly makes a mistake and gets us on the front foot very often.

We are lucky we have once in a generation squad, coaches and owner. This is going to be some ride.

[Exiled Wiganer]

I think Barrett traded off his reputation, and didn’t lift the team in the same way French does every week.

Clearly a really good player, and has an air about him but I think French is better for us.

[Nezza Faz]

Certainly been around here a lot longer.

[Firestarter]

Ella was a better stand off than kenny and is why parra used to play kenny at centre. Both brilliant as was barrett.Gotta admit that Bevan is the most exciting player i have seen in the super league era

[Charriots Offiah]

I think Barrett traded off his reputation, and didn’t lift the team in the same way French does every week.

Clearly a really good player, and has an air about him but I think French is better for us.

TB carried Wigan, he got cheated out of the Man of Steel award.

[josie andrews]

I think Barrett traded off his reputation, and didn’t lift the team in the same way French does every week.

Clearly a really good player, and has an air about him but I think French is better for us.

TB carried Wigan, he got cheated out of the Man of Steel award.

[The Yonner]

Kenny was a complete player, and would have been good as a fullback in the modern game too. I think his reputation was tarnished, however, by his final appearance in the Premiership semi-final at St Helens in the week after Wembley, when he clearly didnt want to be there and helped to ensure the team's defeat. Bit of a cardinal sin that.

Difficult to assess Barrett because he was playing in a poor team and consequently we didnt see him in a final.

Not difficult to put Bevan French right up there with them though.

[KieronC]

It's a hard one to judge given the subjectivity that comes with someone or something being the best. There are players that have appealed to me a bit more than French but by the looks of the replies if this went to a vote, the consensus seems to be he's up there with the best.

[Flash]

Kenny was a complete player, and would have been good as a fullback in the modern game too. I think his reputation was tarnished, however, by his final appearance in the Premiership semi-final at St Helens in the week after Wembley, when he clearly didnt want to be there and helped to ensure the team's defeat. Bit of a cardinal sin that.

Difficult to assess Barrett because he was playing in a poor team and consequently we didnt see him in a final.

Not difficult to put Bevan French right up there with them though.

I think there's more to being a complete player than ability. Attitude is just as important and I think Kenny could fall short in this regard. As you say, post Wembley being perhaps the most glaring example. I remember watching the NRL at that time when he and Sterling were in tandem for Paramatta and there was often a "which Kenny will turn up" narrative around the games so it wasn't just whilst at Wigan. He could be something of a reluctant defender too at times so I think your assertion of him being a great fullback isn't as cut and dried as you make it seem.

All the above makes it sound as though I didn't rate him which couldn't be further from the truth. Truly a match winner on his day, and he had plenty of those days! French for me though when it comes to Wigan. Simply done more over a longer period and his attitude and willingness to work can't be faulted. Let's put it this way...I doubt you'd ever see French doing a 'post Wembley Kenny' whilst wearing a Wigan shirt. It would go against everything he stands for.