WHENEVER Bevan French returns from injury, Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet is going to face an envious selection headache.
Jack Farrimond is making sure of that. In his seven Super League appearances since 2023 Man of Steel French was ruled out with a hamstring injury, the 20-year-old has rarely looked out of place alongside Harry Smith in the halves.
That was underlined by Farrimond claiming his third-consecutive player of the match award in Friday’s 24-4 win at home to Leeds Rhinos, and Peet had some simple advice for him to ensure he stays in contention when French is fit again.
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“Just keep playing like that,” Peet told Sky Sports.
“It’s a great position to be in – it’ll work itself out.
“He’s going to be an asset for us and it’s a great problem to have.”
For his part, Farrimond was quick to deflect praise to England scrumhalf Smith for his organisational and kicking skills which allow him to excel.
Jack Farrimond opens the scoring for Wigan 🙌 pic.twitter.com/B6S1pM0w8o
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) May 15, 2026
Nevertheless, one try, one tackle bust, one clean break and three attacking kicks in the win over Leeds give some glimpse of his abilities.
There was another side of the Leigh Miners Rangers product which came to the fore as well in making 18 tackles – most notably a huge hit which brought down Super League’s leading try-scorer Maika Sivo.
“I think I had my eyes closed, to be honest,” Farrimond, who stands 5ft 10in and weights just under 12 stone, told Sky Sports.
“I knew I had to be 100 percent all-in or I’d end up on my arse.”
Jack Farrimond is named Player of the Match for the third game in a row! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3d9vSQHOFN
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) May 15, 2026
Farrimond made Wigan debut as a teenager in 2024 and has spent time out on loan in the Championship with London Broncos too, although admitted he did not expect to get this much of a run in the team in 2026.
And while he has sympathy for French, he is determined to wring everything he can out of this surprise opportunity.
“Some of the games I’ve managed to play in this year, I didn’t think they’d be coming this year or maybe even next year,” Farrimond said.
“To get the opportunity, it’s unfortunate for Bevan but to get the opportunity at such a critical time I think will be massive for my development in the long run as well.”
Barring injury or suspension, Farrimond is set to keep building his partnership with Smith until at least the end of next month – the earliest projected return date for French.
Peet will be more than happy if he carries on doing what he is doing though, particularly if it comes to sticking it to the competition’s big men.
“That’s what I love about him,” Peet said. “He’s very talented, but he’s a goer as well.”
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