The Parramatta Eels have today announced the re-signing of 2016 Eels Rookie of the Year Bevan French until the end of the 2019 season.

French joined the Blue and Gold in 2013 and debuted for the Club in Round 12, 2016 becoming Eels player number 779. He played 13 NRL games in 2016 and broke the Parramatta Eels record for the most tries in a debut season, previously held by Jarryd Hayne, crossing for 19 tries.

Head Coach Brad Arthur said that the contract extension is a reward for the hard work and commitment shown by Bevan since joining the Club from Tingha in country NSW.

“Bevan’s development this year was a real positive for the Club and I am sure our Members and fans are pleased that we have secured Bevan for at least another three seasons,” Arthur said.

“We have had a strategy over the last two months to retain our key players and provide strong additions for our squad going into 2017. We have made good progress so far and it’s our intention to continue this strategy as we lead into the 2017 pre-season."

French joins Corey Norman, Danny Wicks, Kenny Edwards, Isaac De Gois, Rory O'Brien, Brad Takairangi and Manu Ma’u as recent re-signings for the Eels.

This follows the announcements of Nathan Brown, George Jennings, Siosaia Vave and Josh Hoffman as new signings for the Eels in 2017.