Bevan French puts Super League Grand Final triumph top of Wigan Warriors' historic accomplishments

[josie andrews]

Bevan French scores sensational solo try as Wigan Warriors beat Hull KR in Super League Grand Final; French becomes first player in history to win Rob Burrow and Lance Todd Player of the Match awards in same season

Bevan French ranked victory in the Super League Grand Final top of all-conquering Wigan Warriors' historic list of accomplishments after he inspired their quadruple-sealing win over Hull KR at Old Trafford.

The latest moment of magic from French proved decisive as Wigan outmuscled Hull KR to retain their Betfred Super League crown and become the first club to win all four major titles - World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield and Super League Grand Final - in a single season.

On a bruising night at Old Trafford, the Australian's unorthodox flair lit up the Grand Final, as he dummied and danced through the Rovers defence for the only try of an enthralling game.

It saw French win the inaugural Rob Burrow Player of the Match award, as he became the first player in history to win the Player of the Match award in the Challenge Cup Final and Super League Grand Final in the same year.

"It's been an emotional sort of week," he told Sky Sports. "We knew history was on the line - to go all four in the calendar year. The club is so special to me, bringing my family over. It's crazy."

An emotional French continued: "This one just meant more. The club went above and beyond to surprise me by flying my brother and my uncle over.

"This is special. I might not get a night like this again so I'm embracing and taking it all in.

I cannot wait to party with all of Wigan tonight and the next couple of days.

"Wigan is a special club; it's built around success and history. It builds its foundation on family first. It's a pleasure to be a part of.

"I'm grateful not only for this moment but to be part of this club this year, the last four years and the next four years."

'Artist' French not bound by rules

French had hogged the headlines in the build-up to the final after his audacious try in Wigan's 38-0 semi-final mauling of Leigh Leopards last Saturday.

In front of 68,173 - the biggest Grand Final crowd since 2017 - the 28-year-old delivered again when he wriggled through a gap and evaded a diving Niall Evalds to cross in the 23rd minute.

French's performance left Jon Wilkin, 2006 Grand Final winner with St Helens, waxing lyrical.

"In really simple terms, the game hinged on one moment," he told Sky Sports.

"One defensive lapse from Matt Parcell and Mikey Lewis, one moment of magic from an artist who doesn't sculpt or use a paintbrush, but instead bends time and space on a rugby league field to create things nobody else can.

"French plays with an enjoyment, he plays with a vision that is not bound by the rules we all play by, that is why he does exciting things. He's playing a different game to everybody else, he doesn't follow the rules."

https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/ ... plishments

[josie andrews]

Bevan French deflects praise onto Wigan team-mates after Grand Final triumph

Bevan French deflected the praise onto his team-mates after his stunning solo try set up Wigan’s Betfred Super League Grand Final victory over Hull KR.

The Australian produced a moment of magic to claim the only touchdown of a hard-fought contest at Old Trafford which the Warriors ultimately edged 9-2 to secure back-to-back titles.

French threw a dummy and then slalomed through an otherwise solid Rovers defence midway through the first half but the winger was modest about a starring role in a fourth trophy success of the year.

French said: “The game was so quick, I didn’t get to reflect on that moment. The ball was in play so much, it was just on to the next battle straight away.

“I may have been fortunate enough to get the man of the match, or score tries, in those finals, but it’s our defence that’s won those games.

This is the second Grand Final in a row where we haven’t conceded a try. It’s great to achieve this, but collectively it’s the defence that has definitely won it for us.”

He deserves all the credit he gets but there are some fantastic players among this group

Matt Peet on Bevan French
Coach Matt Peet hailed not only French’s performance, but his all-round character.

“I love him to bits,” said Peet. “It’s easy to love him when he has those big moments in big games, of course it is, but I see what he does on a daily basis. He does so much.

“He deserves all the credit he gets but there are some fantastic players among this group.”

Peet revealed Wigan’s latest success was partly inspired by a motivational team-talk from former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said: “We just thought we were on the verge of something similar to when United won the treble, so we reached out through a mutual friend.

“With his mentality, we thought he would be the perfect person. It was epic, as you can imagine. We were hung on his every word.”

—————-
Hull KR coach Willie Peters reflected on a strong effort from his team, who finished second in the table to Wigan in the regular season and again came up just short of the champions.

Peters said: “I’m proud of what they’ve done all season, not only tonight. I think the performance here – we never gave in, that’s what Hull KR people do.

“We work hard and were resilient, that’s in our DNA. I think we showed that again.

“Although we were on the wrong end of the scoreboard, we played against a very good team that know how to win those games. They took their moments.

Related video: Wigan Athletic winger hails team's leaders (Dailymotion)

“I’m extremely proud to be head coach of this team. The play certainly didn’t let anyone down.


https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer ... r-AA1saeJ4

[josie andrews]

Bevan French lifts lid on ‘emotional’ family reunion with special shirt presentation ahead of Grand Final

Bevan French admits winning the Super League Grand Final meant just a bit more this time around after Wigan Warriors flew in members of his family for a surprise reunion during the week.

The Cherry and Whites arranged travel for the superstar’s uncle and brother for the Old Trafford encounter against Hull KR, surprising the 28-year-old in the club’s shirt presentation.

French, the 2023 Man of Steel, explained: “My uncle Shannon and my brother Dion. At our jersey presentation on Friday night, it obviously goes in number order and mine got skipped.

“I just thought mine had been rearranged or something, I don't know what was going on to be honest.

“Matty said, 'We've got a special guest to present your jersey,’ and in came the boys.

“I was pretty emotional. Being away from your family all year is tough. All of the sacrifices you make and all that stuff.

“You miss them all year, and when you win the Grand Final, I remember winning finals (before) but this one was quite emotional because I was glad they got to experience this.

“Last time my uncle came over, he said it was the trip of a lifetime for him. Opening up doors and getting to share these experiences with family is something that will live with me forever.

“We'll talk about this for years to come. Usually when I'm winning big games and finals, I'm chuffed, but this one just means a bit more.”

French was crowned the inaugural Rob Burrow Award winner after being the point of difference between the two sides at the Theatre of Dreams, scoring the only try of the 9-2 victory in Manchester.

He became the first to be named player of the match at both Old Trafford and Wembley in the same season, while he also picked up the personal accolade during the World Club Challenge victory in February.

Adam Keighran converted French’s four-pointer, scored in the 22nd minute, and also added a penalty in the second half, while England international Harry Smith nailed a drop-goal on the half-time hooter for a 7-0 lead at the break. Mikey Lewis kicked Hull KR’s only points of the match from a penalty in the second 40, with Wigan now boasting four straight games without conceding a try.

On arranging the surprise, head coach Matt Peet commented: “We had a film made for the semi-final to show the players the journey of the season with family messages.

“The guys were on that, and Shannon (French’s uncle) sends Bevan these inspirational videos every so often where he pulls his game to pieces!

“We quite often put them on in team meetings and they’re hilarious. The lads love it, it’s a real highlight of the week.

“As we were walking out of the cinema having watched that film, Kris Radlinski pulled me to one side and said, ‘I think we should bring them over’.

“We reached out via our team manager, Tom Fitzpatrick, and made all of the logistical arrangements. Keeping it from Bevan was obviously a challenge, but real credit goes to Rads.

“He gets what motivates players and inspires teams, he often comes up with these gestures and moments at the right time of the year.

“His contribution to this is immeasurable really.”

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... al-4821835

[pearsy]

It was great to see Beven give the new Mos and Parcel a French lesson

[morley pie eater]

Bevan French lifts lid on ‘emotional’ family reunion with special shirt presentation ahead of Grand Final

Bevan French admits winning the Super League Grand Final meant just a bit more this time around after Wigan Warriors flew in members of his family for a surprise reunion during the week.

The Cherry and Whites arranged travel for the superstar’s uncle and brother for the Old Trafford encounter against Hull KR, surprising the 28-year-old in the club’s shirt presentation.

French, the 2023 Man of Steel, explained: “My uncle Shannon and my brother Dion. At our jersey presentation on Friday night, it obviously goes in number order and mine got skipped.

“I just thought mine had been rearranged or something, I don't know what was going on to be honest.

“Matty said, 'We've got a special guest to present your jersey,’ and in came the boys.

“I was pretty emotional. Being away from your family all year is tough. All of the sacrifices you make and all that stuff.

“You miss them all year, and when you win the Grand Final, I remember winning finals (before) but this one was quite emotional because I was glad they got to experience this.

“Last time my uncle came over, he said it was the trip of a lifetime for him. Opening up doors and getting to share these experiences with family is something that will live with me forever.

“We'll talk about this for years to come. Usually when I'm winning big games and finals, I'm chuffed, but this one just means a bit more.”

French was crowned the inaugural Rob Burrow Award winner after being the point of difference between the two sides at the Theatre of Dreams, scoring the only try of the 9-2 victory in Manchester.

He became the first to be named player of the match at both Old Trafford and Wembley in the same season, while he also picked up the personal accolade during the World Club Challenge victory in February.

Adam Keighran converted French’s four-pointer, scored in the 22nd minute, and also added a penalty in the second half, while England international Harry Smith nailed a drop-goal on the half-time hooter for a 7-0 lead at the break. Mikey Lewis kicked Hull KR’s only points of the match from a penalty in the second 40, with Wigan now boasting four straight games without conceding a try.

On arranging the surprise, head coach Matt Peet commented: “We had a film made for the semi-final to show the players the journey of the season with family messages.

“The guys were on that, and Shannon (French’s uncle) sends Bevan these inspirational videos every so often where he pulls his game to pieces!

“We quite often put them on in team meetings and they’re hilarious. The lads love it, it’s a real highlight of the week.

“As we were walking out of the cinema having watched that film, Kris Radlinski pulled me to one side and said, ‘I think we should bring them over’.

“We reached out via our team manager, Tom Fitzpatrick, and made all of the logistical arrangements. Keeping it from Bevan was obviously a challenge, but real credit goes to Rads.

“He gets what motivates players and inspires teams, he often comes up with these gestures and moments at the right time of the year.

“His contribution to this is immeasurable really.”

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... al-4821835

I'd have thought that keeping it from Josie was an even bigger challenge!

[moto748]

Such a wonderful gesture though, and typical of the club.

[josie andrews]

How Fergie and the French connection drove Wigan to glory

After travelling 24 and 30 hours respectively to see Bevan French, the Wigan superstar’s uncle and brother were given strict instructions to hide from him.

The scene was the Cottons Hotel in Knutsford on the eve of the Super League grand final at Old Trafford, where Wigan would attempt to become the first team of the Super League era to clinch four trophies in a calendar year.

“We were hiding,” French’s Perth-domiciled brother Dion - in the Northern Hemisphere for just four nights before returning on Monday - told NRL.com.

“We landed a day before they got (to the hotel), obviously spent a day there. The next day they had their presentation there. We had to hide in the room."

For 28-year-old Tingha-raised Bevan, it would already be an extraordinary night with Sir Alex Ferguson addressing the team - until, curiously, his club seemed to have forgotten him.

“It goes in number order and mine was skipped,” said the man who sliced between two defenders and then skinned the cover defence to snatch the only try of Wigan’s 9-2 win.

“I thought my number got rearranged or something. I didn’t know what was going on, really.

And then at the end the coach said ‘we’ve got a special guest to present your jersey’ so in came the boys.”

French was on the verge of tears on television at full-time in an intense, brutal clash played out in front of 68,173 in which he became the first recipient of the newly renamed Rob Burrow Medal as player of the match, also making him the first to be named best-on-ground in both the Challenge Cup final and Super League grand final in the same year.

“Shannon sends Bevan these inspirational videos - he pulls Bevan’s game to pieces and gives him a few tips on his play,” said Peet.

“And we quite often put them on in team meetings. They’re hilarious. I don’t know if they’re meant to be... it’s a real highlight of the week when we all have a giggle at the messages.

“Kris Radlinksi, the CEO, pulled me to one said and said, ‘I think we should bring them over’.”

French again struggled to contain his emotions at the post-match media conference which Dion and Shannon attended, the latter even tossing up a question: ‘who is your favourite uncle’ (“Not you!” French responded with a grin.)

“Obviously being away all year from your family is tough, all the sacrifices. I miss them all year.

“I was glad they got to experience this. Last time my uncle came over, he said it was the trip of a lifetime for him so just opening up doors and getting to share these experiences with my family is something that I’ll remember forever.

“It’s something we’ll talk about for years to come. Winning big games and finals, this one is extra special with them being here.”

Re-signed with Wigan in April to extend his exile from his family in Australia for a further four years had been a wrench, French admitted.

“That’s why I got quite emotional about it,” he explained.

“Obviously I wouldn’t have made that decision if I wasn’t happy with the progress I’ve been making here … not only on the pitch but as a person.

“Being surrounded by great people every day, you start to become … all the people we’ve got around the club … all lovely people. It’s an honour to work there every day.”

French’s brother said of his decision to stay: “It comes down to what makes him happy and we know he’s happy here. It’s not hard to tell.”

Wigan's achievement was labelled a Grand Slam, evoking the feats of Hunslet in 1907-08, Huddersfield in 1914-15, Swinton in 1927-28 and the cherry-and-whites themselves in 1994-95.

In the first three of these, of course, there was no World Club Challenge with county trophies accounting for the fourth piece of silverware.

Discussing the involvement of Ferguson - one of the most famous sports coaches of all time - Peet explained: “We reached out through a mutual friend.

“We just thought we were on the verge of something similar to when (Manchester United) won the treble.

“Obviously Sir Alex … well, it’s Old Trafford, the fact he’s based his career on developing home grown talent; all his mentality, we thought he’d be the perfect person.

“It was epic. As you can imagine, they hung on every word but it was mainly his presence. I’ve never seen the lads so quiet.

“A humble man like he is as well. You could hear a pin drop.”

Peet then asked Uncle Shannon if he’d managed to meet Ferguson and “give him a few tips”.

At the end of formalities, Bevan walked to the back of the media conference room Ferguson had once inhabited and embraced his kin. French’s try might have been a surprise to Hull KR and their coach Willie Peters but not to Uncle Shannon.

“We knew he was building something. He was just picking his time and his place and then ‘bang’. Knowing how he plays….” Shannon said.

“We come from a small community of 800 people and he’s put us on the map.”

Dion French - like Bevan once on Parramatta’s books - summed up his brother’s essence when he lamented they had never played organised rugby league together - but plenty of times in the backyard.

“He takes the backyard footy to be big stage.”

And as he returns home on Monday, the moment he walked into that function room to present Bevan’s jersey will be replayed in Uncle Shannon’s head during his 24-hour commute.

“He was shocked. He didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t run, anyway.
“He could tonight.”

https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/10/14/how ... -to-glory/


** Watch the video of French on Tedesco in the NRL in the middle of the report
Watched loads of reels of Bevan in the NRL over the years since he came to Wigan & he was doing the same things then as he is now & to hear the NRL commentators going on about him… just so glad he came over to us

[josie andrews]

French makes history in winning the Rob Burrow Award

MARTYN SADLER pays tribute to the inaugural winner of the Rob Burrow Award

BACK in 2016 I was watching an NRL match involving Parramatta Eels when a young player appearing for them in his first season burst through the opposing side’s defence and, showing tremendous speed and footwork, scored a sensational try.

The young man was obviously going to be a future star in the making.

Not long after that I recall speaking to Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington, recommending to him that he take a look at this young player, whose name was Bevan French, and suggesting that he might like to keep him on his radar for the future if he should ever decide to play in England.

I also asked Gary why the Australians seemed able to come up so regularly with players who grace the game with the qualities that French demonstrated that day, and which were again on display in Saturday’s Grand Final.

French only spent three years with Parramatta, suffering an injured shoulder early in 2018 that hindered him for the remainder of the season and appeared to affect his confidence. Later that season he was demoted to reserve grade by then coach Brad Arthur, who is now at Leeds, and he was left out of their 2019 squad, instead playing for the Wentworthville Magpies in the NSW Cup.

His first-grade career seemed to be ebbing away. But then he signed for Wigan in July of that year, making his debut ironically against Grand Final opponents Hull KR.

Since then, Parramatta’s loss has been Wigan’s gain. French has now joined an exclusive club of players who have won each of the three major individual awards available in Rugby League – the Man of Steel, the Lance Todd Trophy and the Rob Burrow Award (formerly the Harry Sunderland Trophy).

He becomes the fourth player to win all three after George Nicholls, Joe Lydon and current St Helens coach Paul Wellens.

And he is the first player to win the man of the match trophies in the Challenge Cup Final and Grand Final in the same year.

Apart from creating the highlight of the game with that stunning first-half try, French made 31 tackles, ran for 172 metres, including 138 metres across the gain line and 27 metres post-contact.

He received the ball 31 times, passed it 20 times and kicked it once, forcing a goal-line drop-out.
He made two line breaks and 15 tackle busts (all stats supplied by Opta).

French was clearly emotional after the game, having been told by the club the day before the game that it had arranged for his brother and uncle to fly in from Australia to see the game.

“It’s been an emotional week,” he admitted to Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks.

“We knew history was on the line, being the first to go all four (Super League, League Leaders’ Shield, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge) in the calendar year.

“This one just meant more. The club went above and beyond to surprise me by flying my brother and uncle over. It’s special, I’ll never get to feel like this again.

“It’s a pleasure to be a part of this club, not only for now but throughout this year, the past four years and for the next four years.”

And despite his own brilliance, he emphasised that it was defence that won the game for Wigan.
“This is the second Grand Final in a row where we haven’t conceded a try. It’s great to achieve this, but collectively it’s the defence that has definitely won it for us,” he said.

French had been the 7/2 favourite to become the first winner of the Rob Burrow Award with title sponsor Betfred and it was deeply moving to see Rob’s father Geoff present the trophy to him.

He won 26 of the 32 votes from members of the media, with the other six being split equally between Harry Smith and Luke Thompson.

https://www.totalrl.com/french-makes-hi ... row-award/

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors star talks ‘magical’ Bevan French and possible dynasty

Wigan Warriors man Liam Farrell has given his verdict on Rob Burrow Award-winning Bevan French, and the possibility of the club creating a dynasty.

The Warriors took home yet another trophy at the weekend, beating Hull KR to take a second Grand Final victory in a row.

Despite an early disallowed try for the Robins, it was Matt Peet’s side that always looked like they’d win the game

Bevan French was the man who scored the only try of the match and unsurprisingly he was chosen to collect the newly named Rob Burrow award as man of the match.

Wigan Warriors star talks “magical” Bevan French and possible dynasty

Following the game, second-rower Liam Farrell said of French, to Sky Sports: “He’s ridiculous. That’s the only thing I can say is, you think there’s nothing on and then all of a sudden he turns up with a magical play.

“Bevan is Bevan, he does it in training every week, every day. He doesn’t train the hardest, but when he turns it on, he turns it on. He’s been relaxed all week. All the lads have said they’re nervous, and he’s just said, ‘I’m excited to go on.’

He’ll enjoy the next couple of days, and the next eight weeks too.”

The side have been dominant for the past couple of years in big games, and asked whether they could keep this up to become a dynasty, Farrell said: “Possibly, yeah. I don’t know, we’ve just got a great group of players, and we’re willing to buy in and work for each other. We’re doing that on and off the field and if we continue to do that then maybe so, but I think we’ll just enjoy this one for now and have a very good off-season.”

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/liam-far ... ors-98079/

[josie andrews]

Bevan French on why he chose to stay at Wigan Warriors & what separates Matt Peet from other coaches

WIGAN WARRIORS are a club at the heart of the community.

Since the likes of Shaun Wane and Matt Peet took over as head coaches of the Wigan club, that community link has been enhanced drastically.

Both men understand what it is to be a Wiganer but Peet has taken it a step further, inspiring his players to seven trophies in succession – underlined by a tremendous 9-2 win over Hull KR in the Super League Grand Final on Saturday night.

That victory meant that the Warriors now hold all four trophies – the World Club Challenge, League Leaders’ Shield, Challenge Cup and the Grand Final.

The connection between the players, Peet and the backroom staff is all there to see. But that connection runs deeper, too.

The bond between the club and Wigan itself is as strong as it has ever been – and superstar Bevan French is a firm example of that.

“The very first thing he did when he became head coach, he made it clear about building the connection between the club and community,” French said.

“He is a great people person, it’s a team sport but he gets everyone individually on a personal level. What works for me might not work for someone else.

“Generally, he cares about every individual. I think that’s why everyone wants to work hard for him. It’s a very family-orientated club and it’s a pleasure to work under someone like him.

“I’m really glad I’m here. He’s turned the club around and I think he deserves every accolade he gets.”

With French consistently linked with moves back to the NRL before he signed a four-year deal until the end of 2028 earlier this year, it may have taken some by surprise that the ex-Parramatta Eels star rejected strong advances.

But, the 28-year-old could not be prouder of the decision and his love for the club and the people that make it tick.

“Obviously I wouldn’t have the decision if I wasn’t happy with the progress I was making under these guys not only on the pitch and at training but as a person too.

“I am surrounded by these good people, all the leaders and older players, coaching staff and the people just at Robin Park, they are all just lovely people.”

https://www.totalrl.com/bevan-french-on ... r-coaches/