Better without Gutho?

This will be met with vitiolic criticism, but part of me feels we MIGHT play better without Guth. Sounds absurd, I agree; Guth has been our best and most consistent player all year.However, no-one could have forseen we were going to play better when French first did his knee either...Now, our original first choice fullback (French) will be playing in his preferred position again. When French first came back from injury, you could see his lateral movement was hampered, and his speed and agility were not quite there. Over the last few weeks, his trademark speed, footwork, and instinct appears to have returned. Additionally, he looks to have put on some size. In my opinion, as good as Guth has been, French has the ability to be even better.Furthermore, now that Guth is gone, French will play with the confidence of knowing he is undoubtedly the Eels first choice fullback for the rest of the season. This will ease the pressure off French and give him confidence to play his natural game.Don't misinterpret me - the Eels are not a better team without Guth. I am merely saying fullback is a very significant position in the modern game and I feel French has the ability to make it stronger. We were very unlikely to shift Guth out of the No. 1 jersey whilst ever he was playing so well, but injury has now forced our hand.None of the above is so absurd when you consider BA clearly thought the same thing at the start of the year.I look forward to some of the scathing responses... Load up!!!

Replies

Wile E. Coyote July 24, 2017 at 10:03pm

Nothing is all black
Everything has some positives
Even last year had some positives - a well run club
Nidge July 24, 2017 at 10:06pm

I did actually think Bevans injury was a blessing in disguise because it meant Guth was going to get a crack at fullback. Now the situation is reversed i dont have the same feeling. Guth is our best fullback.
BK July 24, 2017 at 10:09pm

You do bring up a lot of good points. His natural game showed his worth at the back end of last year, some confidence and experience is all he needs to establish himself as a contender. French has sooo much latent talent but 3 scoots in 4 weeks shows how hesitant he is to be on the frontlines. Im hoping French does well but In my opinion Gutho has established himself as a first choice Fullback.
Earl Grey July 24, 2017 at 10:18pm

You are correct, he wasn't quite right after injury, but he has been in good form of late. With Moses and Normz building a combination, and the emergence of King as a genuine hooking option, we will surprise a few teams.
Muttman July 24, 2017 at 10:18pm

I think French will definitely be better at fullback now after some weeks on the wing. He has his confidence back. Will he be better than Gutho at FB. Quite possibly.
Billy Bob July 24, 2017 at 10:19pm

Hope he does some work on catching bombs after yesterday's effort
2agd8rk0gah1u July 24, 2017 at 10:21pm

I'd like to actually see Will Smith have a go at fullback and leave French on the wing and bring in Cody Nelson off the bench to help Cameron King. Smith has played fullback before, is good defensively, has speed, can read the game well and has an elusiveness about him.
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown July 24, 2017 at 10:28pm

I understand where your coming from mate but not sure i agree, i think we'll miss guths energy, id rather have seen Bev out than Guth to be honest, no disrespect to bev.

Bev doesnt promote the ball much, hes not dynamic enough at FB, not mature enough, struggles under high balls a bit and his defence and positioning isnt up to scratch, thats part of the reasons wasnt FB and Guth was.
Parramate2 July 24, 2017 at 10:54pm

Not a bad idea. Moses and French have a good little combo going. Would surprise Brisbane . I feel an upset brewing
Garbage Binns July 24, 2017 at 11:08pm

Those who are saying French struggled under the high ball must of only watched last weeks game because I would struggle to find a game where his dropped one, gutherson was in freakish form and that's why it's hard to compare but French has that little bit more natural ability just has to get some cofidence and he will be unstoppable