Challenge Cup final 2026: The big Bevan French question - will Wigan Warriors' star man return at Wembley?
Bevan French was named in Wigan Warriors' squad for the Challenge Cup final; He has not featured in three months following a hamstring injury; Hull KR take on Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup final at 3pm on Saturday at Wembley Stadium
Friday 29 May 2026 16:49, UK
When Wigan Warriors named their Challenge Cup final squad, one question came to the forefront: Is Bevan French going to play at Wembley?
Wigan's star man has been missing for three months with a hamstring injury but was named by Matt Peet in his 21-man squad ahead of the showdown with Hull KR. He was supposed to be ruled out for 16 weeks and Saturday would be the 12-week mark.
It throws a real spanner in the works for the Warriors who are looking to reclaim this trophy from the Robins.
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Wigan beat Hull KR in the 2024 edition of the Challenge Cup, with Willie Peters' side beating Warrington in 2025 to end their 45-year wait for the trophy.
French was present at Wigan's Captain's Run as they got involved in fun games of cricket and football. If picked, his presence would likely mean that one of Wigan's youngsters who have featured over recent weeks would drop out of the side.
For Jai Field, it would be an obvious boost to have French return to the side and he knows that the 30-year-old is someone who is his best in the major contests.
"It's not my place to say the team but he's been training for a few weeks so we'll find out tomorrow," Field said.
"For sure, what he does and the player he is speaks for itself. Even having him here around the group, he's a steady head and I think we get a lot of confidence him being around.
"He's a quality player, he's played at this level now and has a great track record in big games, so he definitely helps out the team a lot.
"It's pretty surreal but we're relaxed. We're enjoying each other's company, it's good," added Ethan Havard.
"I can't confirm or deny. It would be good if he does play."
Minchella: French will definitely play | Peters: Whitbread will not feature
While all eyes might be on Wigan's selection conundrum, Hull KR captain Elliot Minchella is convinced the decision is already made.
When asked whether French will play, he simply answered: "Definitely".
"He's a quality player but if you want to be the best you've got to beat the best," he added.
"He is definitely up there for me as one of the best of the comp. We expect to face him tomorrow."
Head coach Peters has had a bit of a selection headache of his own, with Jai Whitbread unavailable as he awaits the birth of his first child.
"The deadline was this morning," Peters said.
"It is important he's with his partner. It is his first baby. At the end of the day, I would have supported any decision that he ran with.
"We spoke a few weeks prior and understood there was a possibility he could miss the game. At 7am, he called me and they haven't had the baby yet so it's best he stays around his partner."
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