The Parramatta Eels have held a gathering with fullback Clint Gutherson as they put together to go to the open market in a bid to finish their premiership drought this season.
Chatting with 9 Information on Sunday afternoon, The Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Chammas revealed the Eels want to add some spark to their backline.
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It meant sitting down with Gutherson, who Chammas reported has “given the membership his blessing” to make any strikes it believes will assist ship a title to Parramatta.
“The Parramatta Eels prior to now week have been ringing folks within the recreation searching for a fullback,” Chammas reported.
“I spoke to the membership, they are saying they knowledgeable Clint Gutherson of their pursuit of a fullback. They are saying they’re simply searching for a game-breaker and X-factor so as to add to their backline.
“It doesn’t imply Gutherson can be dethroned because the fullback nevertheless it does imply they’re looking out for somebody who may play in that place, doubtlessly forcing a reshuffle there.”
That would contain Gutherson transferring to centre and even beginning at fullback with the brand new recruit, whoever it might be, coming off the bench to interchange him.
It’s a daring transfer from Parramatta, who scored its first win of the 12 months earlier this week in a golden level thriller in opposition to Western Sydney rivals Penrith.
Gutherson, the staff’s captain, has been with the Eels since 2016 and fashioned a powerful mixture with current halves Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses.
Premiership-winning fullback Billy Slater was in shock when he realized of the information.
“I can’t imagine it, to be sincere,” Slater stated on Channel 9.
“I believe Clint Gutherson is without doubt one of the greatest fullbacks within the recreation. Generally we have a look at the shiny, vibrant stuff that the fullbacks can do, and Gutherson provides a lot extra to that staff than the brilliant, shiny stuff.
“I have a look at that place and suppose, ‘Can that staff win a contest with that participant at fullback?’ and I can see that with Clint Gutherson.
“So I can’t imagine that they might be wanting elsewhere.”
Initially printed as ‘I can’t imagine it’: Eels’ shock play for ‘X-factor’ fullback
