French delighted to be part of carnival
NOT long ago Bevan French was attending indigenous carnivals, gaining inspiration from rubbing shoulders with the likes of Chris Sandow and Jamal Idris.
It’s why the Parramatta Eels flyer feels compelled to give back as part of Matthew Bowen’s Queensland Murri Carnival squad in Townsville this week.
Cowboys legend Bowen’s side M. B. 1, headlined by NRL stars French and Will Smith, sent an early warning with a convincing win over Palm Island Barracudas Gold at Townsville Sports Reserve yesterday.
French had limited involvement during the opening preliminary round clash as he recovers from playing in last week’s Koori Knockout Carnival in Dubbo.
The dynamic 22- year- old from Tingha said it was important to help inspire the next generation by pulling on the boots where it all began.
“When I wasn’t in the NRL yet I’d watch the big guns come back and play with the younger players,” French said.
“Even if they don’t do a lot, being in their presence gives inspiration to kids to chase their dreams.
“These carnivals promote healthy lifestyles and I was chatting to Steve Renouf about Deadly Choices and the habits they’re trying to promote.”
Deadly Choices ambassador and Brisbane Broncos legend Renouf praised organisers for staging the event in Townsville after several years in southeast Queensland.
“The big thing is the health messages around it, and our mob just love rugby league,” Renouf said.
“We see more regional teams come to this event ( in Townsville) because Brisbane’s just a bit too far away and there’s a cost involved.
“Guys like Matty Bowen having his own team, I think that’s great as it’s a way of giving back to these carnivals.”
Carnival convener Jenny Pryor said the presence of big names at the event would give young talent looking to pave their own way a boost.
“At the end of the day they started off the same way, but it’s good they’re giving back to the community,” Pryor said.
“They’ll take time out and talk to the young guns about what they have to do, because the most important thing is behaviour on and off the field.
“It’s not just about being a deadly footballer and we’ve witnessed that with the behaviour of Greg Inglis, and he’s missed out on the Australian captaincy.
“A lot of people say they aspire to win a Dally M, this is our Dally M.
“They’re proud to play in front of their own people.”
The carnival continues today, with the men’s and women’s finals scheduled for tomorrow at 3.30pm and 4.30pm respectively.