The Parramatta Eels have informed Clint Gutherson that they are in the market for another fullback to add an extra ‘strike player’ to the ranks.
The news of Parramatta’s intention broke late Sunday afternoon and confused many in the NRL community as Gutherson has proven he is one of the best at his position in the league.
Gutherson, the current Eels’ skipper, has made 165 appearances for the blue and gold, whilst holding the NRL record for most metres gained in a single game (369).
Amidst a large amount of confusion around the decision, SEN rugby league expert Matty Johns still can’t come to grips with the announcement.
“I can’t get my head around it, it’s a madness, I cannot believe it,” Johns said on SEN 1170 The Round Up.
“I don’t think there’s any club in the league that couldn’t do with a strike player, whether that be coming off the bench or in a key position.
“Number one you don’t declare it, because the other clubs see you coming, number two you risk stabilising some of your own star players.
“If you ask Gutho (Gutherson) what he thought about it, on air he would say, ‘Oh no I’m all supportive, club first’, you can’t tell me he’s walked away from that meeting saying, ‘Are they serious?’.”
Johns questioned the decision to go public with their intentions and who would be available for them to poach.
“Who are they going to go after?... who knows with Gutho, will they push up him to centres or six and put (Dylan) Brown at 13, I don’t know exactly what their plan is," Johns added.
“Who are they going to get? Whos’ out there?
“I think if there’s probably any area they wanted to look at, although young Brendan Hands showed a bit the other night…. They probably go, ‘Let’s get out there and try and score a game-breaking number nine.
“But again, who is that at the moment?”
One of the biggest names to be floated as a possible signing for the Eels is former Warriors fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who is off contract with New Zealand Rugby at the end of the year.