Clint Gutherson

Firstly, I just want to congratulate the boys on a tough game of footy on Friday night. Yes, it was disappointing to lose in heart breaking fashion. The 2nd time this season we've lost on the buzzer, but given the difficult circumstances, you can't argue with the heart they played with. The 9th minute tribute to Peats showed why we, the blue and gold faithful are the best fans in the country.On to my topic, Clint Gutherson.For starters, when I first heard we signed Clint, I was very excited. I followed this kid closely through the juniors and he always looked like he had a very bright future. With all the big name signings we made, Clint was some what of the forgotten man.His debut game for the club wasn't exactly one to remember. In fact it was straight up awful. This caused a lot of fans to heavily criticize him and call for Brad Arthur to weild the axe. Harsh criticism given he was starting out at a new club, was coming off a long term injury and had only played a handful of first grade games. However I always remained optimistic about his place in this team.Every week I think it's fair to say he has gotten better and better. He is playing with a lot more confidence and he even earned his first rep jumper. Clint may never be a superstar, but I think if he can remain injury free, he could be a very good player for our club.I know he has spent the season playing on the wing, and has played in the centers with manly, however his bet position is fullback. For those of you that saw Clint play as a junior, you'll know that he was an exceptional fullback coming through the ranks. So with that being said, could Gutho be a long term option at fullback?Michael Gordon has been outstanding for us this season and I hope we can get another year or two out of him. I understand we have Bevan French as a long term option, but Clint may well be the man to wear the number one jersey long term.Interesting to get everyone's thoughts on the kid and where you think he best fits into our clubs future.

"I am not too disheartened by that. If we got him then great but he is 29, having a few injuries and though a really good Winger he is an average Centre. I would rather Murray Taulagi."

"I'm more interested in who the Eels are going to sign to replace Lomax instead of worrying about the players that don't want to be at Parra. When are we going to hear some good positive signing news or it that it"

Replies

Roger smith May 15, 2016 at 9:20am

Has definetly been earmarked for no 1 jersey , maybe quicker now to help with the money situation ,gordons goal kicking might get another season and bevan as he builds up bit opens up his positional options ,dont forget he came here in halves ,can just about play anywhere in backs
Ham Sammich May 15, 2016 at 10:10am

Nah can't see him as our long term fullback. Bevan will be that player once he starts training full time. He's played well in his 2 and a half games. Once he gets a month of NYC games under his belt this season I reckon we should move him up to ISP.
eels73 May 15, 2016 at 10:15am

Personally I think French will be our long term fullback. The kid is a freak and has shown the same sort of brilliance that Hayne did at his age!
Not sure if we will be able to keep Gordon for another year with all the salary cap pressures and if so I would groom French to play on the Wing next year and have Gutherson at Fullback to ease him into first grade.
- ParraLAD > eels73 May 15, 2016 at 10:28am
  
  Exactly my thoughts. Play Clint at fullback with Bevan on the wing until he gains some more experience. Personally though, I think French's best position will eventually be 5/8. Obviously we have already invested in 2 quality young halves though. IF Norman does leave however, I'd be looking at french as an option for 6.
This reply was deleted.
- aveel May 15, 2016 at 10:47am
  
  Actually all teams try to stop opposing team going through them and make them go around them.
Roger smith May 15, 2016 at 10:40am

I will back BA and coaching staffs decisions ,they see and know a lot more about him than me .
- Greg the Griffith Grape Grower > Roger smith May 15, 2016 at 10:51am
  
  LOL really?
  
  I wasn't sure what to expect on Friday night after recent events.
  
  Anything could have happened, but typical of this well coached team, they tried very hard and almost came away with the win just lacking a bit of leadership and one of the best players in the game.
  
  Next week will be a massive test vs storm but at least our captain and lead play maker will be back.
eels_brad May 15, 2016 at 10:46am

Still not even half sold on French for first grade.

Gutho would be my option currently, it's only Flash's goal kicking keeping him in FB (and the fact he'd be ineffectual on the wing)
- Ham Sammich > eels_brad May 15, 2016 at 10:52am
  
  You don't think that Bevan's ball playing ability and back field positioning/speed would help our team immensely? What would make you even half sold on Bev for first grade?
- eels_brad > eels_brad May 15, 2016 at 1:56pm
  
  Seeing him play against bigger bodies in the NSW cup for a season and dominate without getting Injured. So far he's come out injured twice in 4 games since moving out of the 20s.