Bevan French snubs NRL return with four-year Wigan deal

Bevan French has signed a four-year deal with Wigan, ending the prospect of a return to the NRL. (Brendan Esposito/AAP PHOTOS)

Bevan French has turned his back on the chance to return to the NRL, with Wigan's much-wanted Australian star signing a fresh deal with the world club champions.

The 28-year-old former Parramatta flyer has become the best player in the European game, with his brilliance evidenced most recently with his man-of-the-match performance for the Warriors against Penrith in the World Club Challenge.

That display, which featured a spectacular second-half score which was ruled out for a narrow offside, again put French's excellence in the spotlight, with a number of NRL clubs already having been keen to bring back Tingha's Indigenous star to Australia. 

But Wigan announced on Wednesday that stand-off French had penned a new four -year deal with the club which will take him though to the end of 2028.

The British giants have been left delighted, believing it may well mean French stays with the club for the rest of his career. 

Bevan joined the Warriors halfway through the 2019 season from Parramatta Eels and he's been a hit ever since with fans of Britain's most famous club, illuminating the Super League with his scintillating performances which last year won him the Man of Steel award as its best player. 

But having often said he would one day want to return to Australia to try his luck at conquering the NRL, it was somewhat of a surprise that he should sign a deal that will take him through to his early thirties in the Super League.

"Over my past couple of contracts, I've become close (to returning to Australia) with negotiations with other clubs back in the NRL," French told Sky Sports.

"But I think when we spoke about extending this time, I really gave Wigan the option to see if we can come to an agreement before I even look elsewhere. 

"I've built a lot of good relationships on and off the field and just evolved each year. I never feel like I'm stuck in the same place, I keep feeling like I'm improving every time I go out each week."

French, who broke the record for the most tries scored - seven - in a Super League fixture in 2022, inspired them to a grand final triumph last year before toppling Penrith in February.

“It wasn’t a hard decision to make, I’ve built up lots of good relationships here, on and off the field," he said.

Wigan officials were delighted at their coup, with chief executive Kris Radlinski saying: “We have worked patiently with Bevan to get a deal that pretty much secures the rest of his career at Wigan.

“We get the privilege of watching one of the most talented players of his generation entertain us for four more years.“

Coach Matt Peet added: “He is a leader here both on and off the field and is hungry to improve.

“Bevan is a special player and a special person - it is an honour to coach him.”

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store