Luke French, 18, and 15-year-old Dion have been provided pathway opportunities at the blue and golds, raising the prospect of the trio playing in the NRL together in the future.

The younger siblings are Inverell kids who play for the Tingha Tigers and the Eels have high hopes they can one day also burst into the big league. Despite only taking up the game last year, Luke scored 26 tries as an outside back for the Ashford Roosters in 15 games of first grade, plus eight tries in 11 games in the under-18s in Group 19.

Dion is a lock forward who will remain in his home town for the time being, coming down for Eels development camps and trials to give him a taste of football life in Sydney.

"They are both taller and a bit more solid than Bevan, but certainly fast and very athletic," said the man who discovered the trio, Parramatta's recruitment and elite programs coordinator Anthony Field.

Bevan French has been a revelation for the Eels in a turbulent season. The 20-year-old scored a record eight tries in the Auckland Nines and then continued that form with 19 in the NRL in just 13 matches to stake his claim for rookie of the year honours. He has shown enough promise in his debut season to suggest he will become the Eels' long-time No.1 following Jarryd Hayne's decision not to return to the club.

When we spoke to Bevan French recently, he said all three of his brothers were footy fanatics and that backyard games often became heated.

"They were pretty violent actually," he said. "The second-youngest one has a bit of fight in him, you don't go to hard at him because he'd fight back."

One to watch: Luke French

McFadden under pressure

This week shapes as an important one for the Warriors, with the under-achieving club poised to make a call on whether to end the tenure of coach Andrew McFadden and pursue Kieran Foran.

It is understood a board meeting has been scheduled and the issues will be top of the agenda. McFadden has a year remaining on his contract but is under immense pressure after the club again missed the play-offs.

Warriors chief executive Jim Doyle is close to Foran, but the question remains whether the risks surrounding the fragile former Parramatta skipper are worth the reward. Whatever decisions the board makes will have a huge impact on the Warriors' future.

Mead to Brisbane

Having knocked back offers from Parramatta and Newcastle, David Mead is expected to join Brisbane next year. Mead has had to vacate the Gold Coast No.1 jersey following the arrival of Hayne but is just as adept in the centres or on the wing. Several clubs, including the Titans, were keen on his signature, but the Broncos will add depth to their back line following the loss of Jack Reed and Lachlan Maranta.

Broncos bound: David Mead Photo: Jason O'Brien

Text origin of tension

Which State of Origin star bagged a teammate via text message – and then accidently sent it to him? There will be plenty of tension between the pair from now on.

Gambling drama

Given the latest series of match-fixing allegations, the DVD release of the Australian film Broke is timely. The critically acclaimed movie, starring Steve Le Marquand, Claire van der Boom and Max Cullen, deals with the issue of problem gambling in rugby league.

"It's amazing and startling how the movie just continues to become more and more timely and topical," said Heath Davis of his first feature film.

"Just this week the game has been in the headlines yet again for all the wrong reasons with the spectre of match fixing in the NRL again raising its ugly head. That said, gambling-related corruption is something that resonates well beyond rugby league.

"It's an issue that isn't going away any time soon and hopefully Broke plays a role in creating a positive dialogue."

Sterling compliment

Bernie Gurr's credentials speak for themselves, but the new Parramatta chief executive is grateful for the strong endorsement provided by club legend Peter Sterling when the role first became available.

"The reality is it was really important because Peter is very intelligent and is a respected voice in the world of rugby league, particularly at Parramatta," Gurr said.

"The Parramatta fans and the broader football community respect what Peter says. It was appreciated and I'm flattered he thought I could help Parramatta."

New Eels CEO: Bernie Gurr. Photo: Rick Stevens

Roosters signings

The Roosters are banking on some of league's baddest boys coming good at Bondi Junction next year.

The tricolours are poised to sign sacked Rabbitoh Paul Carter in what is shaping as his final chance in the NRL. Carter, the son of former Panther Steve Carter, was previously sacked by the Gold Coast and again struggled with off-field discipline at Redfern.

The Roosters have also signed Manly prop Liam Knight and are eyeing Zane Tetevano, who was sacked by Newcastle following domestic violence charges.

Slaimankhel to trial

Omar Slaimankhel will attempt to continue his NRL career at Manly next season. The Pakistan-born outside back, who made five first-grade appearances for the Warriors, has earned an opportunity to trial with the Sea Eagles in the off-season. Given Brett Stewart is expected to retire, Slaimankhel could provide fullback cover for Tom Trbojevic.

Kennar for Canterbury

Canterbury have signed Melbourne three-quarter Richie Kennar. Kennar will provide depth to a team that will be without Curtis Rona and Sam Perrett.