Bevan French’s presence was well-documented at Wembley on Friday.
Bevan French and Jai Field walk out at Wembley during Captain’s Run.
Jai Field says Bevan French’s presence alone has lifted Wigan ahead of the Challenge Cup final – even if the superstar half-back doesn’t make it onto the pitch at Wembley.
Australian ace French has been sidelined since March with a torn hamstring, but the 30-year-old was a surprise inclusion in Matt Peet’s extended squad for Saturday’s showdown.
The 2024 Lance Todd Trophy winner joined the squad as they soaked up the Wembley surroundings on Friday afternoon. Wigan had already completed their captain’s run earlier in the week, with their visit instead focused on familiarisation at the national stadium, including cricket, football and a team huddle at the end of the session.
Teen sensation Jack Farrimond is still expected to start in the halves under the famous arch after his player-of-the-match display in the semi-final win over rivals St Helens, alongside England international Harry Smith.
But there remains an outside chance French could feature from the interchange bench.
“I just think having him around the group and what he brings – he brings a lot of confidence to everyone,” Field said of team-mate French.
“He’s a good lad to have around, and good for the young fellas, especially Jack and Noah Hodkinson, keeping them on the straight and narrow. It’s good having him around.”
Wigan are desperate to get back to winning trophies after ending last season without silverware for the first time under head coach Matt Peet, who lifted the Challenge Cup in his first season in charge back in 2022.
Hull KR got the better of the Warriors in last year’s Super League Grand Final, with Mikey Lewis stealing the show at Old Trafford to win the inaugural Rob Burrow Award.
The Rovers star has carried that form into this season, combining brilliantly with half-back partner Tyrone May for 39 try involvements in Super League.
Field admitted Wigan must find a way to stop the in-form duo.
“I think they’ve been the two best halves probably in the competition this year consistently,” Field said. “They’ve played a lot of footy together now as well, so we’re going to have to nullify that.
“We saw what Mikey Lewis did in last year’s Grand Final. We’ve got to be good, and hopefully we’ve got to do a job on him to keep him limited.
“Hull KR have been the best team over the last 18 months and very consistent, so this is a good opportunity to see how we match up.”