Bevan French saw the writing on the wall weeks ago. He knew his position at fullback for Parramatta was under threat when he watched Clint Gutherson fire from the back in his absence through injury.

Which is why French was far from shocked when Eels coach Brad Arthur last week informed him he would slot back to the wing to accommodate Gutherson's semi-permanent transition to the No.1 position.

He didn't kick stones. He didn't whinge. It doesn't mean French isn't driven and determined to win back the fullback jersey, but he knows the best thing for Parramatta at this point of the season is to have Gutherson calling the shots from the back as he continues his development as an NRL player.

"I saw it coming to tell you the truth," French said after the Eels' 24-10 win over the Dragons on Sunday.