Brad Arthur backs Bevan French to fill fullback spot

There was speculation with the signing of Josh Hoffman from the Gold Coast that the former Titan was being earmarked to fill the boots left by Michael Gordon.

But Parramatta coach Brad Arthur indicated this week that his plans were still for French to play at the back.

"Bevan will get the first opportunity at fullback," Arthur told Sky Sports Radio.

"He's trained all pre-season there."

French, who played for both the Tingha Tigers juniors and A grade, was a revelation for the Eels last season after bursting onto the scene at the Auckland Nines with a record eight tries.

He made his NRL debut against the Newcastle Knights in Round 11, scoring a try and saving another with only two minutes left on the clock, and finished his rookie season as the third-highest tryscorer with 19 tries from 13 games.

He played the majority of those on the wing, before switching to fullback for the last two games of the season – for a return of six tries.

Arthur believes that with a full pre-season training for the position under his belt French is ready to slot into the No.1 jersey.

"Fullbacks clock up the most kilometres in the game so they do a lot of running. So we've had a big focus with Bev in terms of his work at training," Arthur said.

"Clint Gutherson is probably our stand-out in terms of the fitness component part of it, Bevan is trying really hard to get up there with him."

French is set to be joined at the Eels by younger brothers Luke (18) and Dion (15) with both being provided pathway opportunities.