Everything Bevan French said on Super League record and his future

Drew Darbyshire
Bevan French Wigan Warriors SWpix

Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix

Bevan French says breaking the Super League record most tries in a single game is still sinking in as well as providing an update on his future. 

The Wigan superstar scored seven tries to break the record for most tries in a Super League game in their 60-0 demolition of Hull on Friday night.

“The Super League record is still sinking in,” French said.

“To be able to do it in front of our home fans at the DW and some of my family (step dad and uncle) here is something I’ll cherish forever.

“I don’t really like talking about the record but to do it in front of my family is something I’ll cherish forever. They’ve never had the opportunity to come to another country before, the whole experience has been amazing for them. They’ve loved every minute of it – not just tonight but the whole experience of it so I’m glad I could finish their trip well.

“I only found out (about the record) when I scored the last one. I didn’t have a clue about it to be honest. You don’t go into games thinking ‘I’m going to break the record’ so I had no idea what the record was but I’m very grateful I got it.”

French surpasses Big Les

French broke the record which was set by Bradford legend Lesley Vainikolo, who scored six against Hull back in 2005.

“I know he is a completely different player to me!” French joked when referencing the size difference between Vainikolo and himself.

“I didn’t watch many of his games but I know his name. I used to use him as a player on PlayStation rugby league. Have you seen the size of him?! I know he was a completely different player to me but to be amongst some of these people is amazing.”

Quite surprisingly, French doesn’t think it will be long before his seven-try record will be broken.

“I don’t think it will last as long as that,” French said about the 17-year difference in records between Vainikolo and himself.

“If you see the game now and the athletes that are in it, the game is quicker and there’s a lot more points scored when a team gets a roll on. If you look at some of the athletes now, they can really score out of nothing. As much as I’d like it to last longer I don’t think it will.”

FRENCH FLAIR: Seven-try hero Bevan French hailed after breaking Super League record

Bevan French provides update on his future

The Australian speedster is out of contract at the end of the season. French, who has made no secret of his desire to return to the NRL one day, says an announcement will be made soon.

“Hopefully in the very near future,” he replied when asked about an announcement.

“I know there’s only eight games left so I want to sort that out as soon as I can.

“I have just sort of taken a back step with that and let my manager take the reins. I’m sure he’ll do what is best for me and we’ll go from there.”

Bevan French Wigan Warriors SWpix
Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix

Bevan feeling the love

The Warriors fans sung ‘Bevan French, we want you to stay’ as he went over for each of his seven tries.

“It is amazing,” French said when asked about being a fan’s favourite at Wigan.

“I’ve said it in my time here that the fans are so passionate. They are the best crowd you could play in front of. It is a crazy atmosphere and something I’ve never experienced.

“I know coming from the NRL you get crowds and things like that but they are very passionate over here. Hearing that, I’ll remember it for a long time.”

PODCAST: Adrian Morley on enforcer Morgan Knowles, disciplinary tightropes & NRL memories

LOVE RL: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League podcast and mobile app