PARRAMATTA coach Brad Arthur has an almighty selection headache coming up next month.
What does he do with a talent like Clinton Gutherson?
Gutherson was back to his best on Friday night in the Eels’ 22-16 win over South Sydney, setting up two tries and breaking the line once in a dominant first half.
However his stint in the halves is almost certain to be limited, with star five- eighth Corey Norman set to return from a knee injury in round 17 to partner new recruit Mitchell Moses.
And Arthur on Friday remained coy on how he would fit one of his team’s most versatile players into a consistent starting spot in the backline. “We’ll worry about that when Normy comes back,” he said.
Eels players celebrate a Semi Radradra try after a Clint Gutherson run. Picture: Mark Evans
“Gutho is a footballer. And we know exactly what we’re going to get from him every week. He’s such a competitor.”
The 22-year-old arrived at Parramatta as an outside back in 2016, but has been used in a number of positions by Arthur.
He began on the wing last year, but spent time in the centres before finishing the year at five-eighth.
He has also filled in at fullback this year for a five-game stint, while fullback Bevan French was also out with a knee injury.
“He’s a runner of the football,” Arthur said.
“He went back to fullback and was really good there. Then we moved him to five- eighth and it’s a different game.”
Arthur admitted Gutherson had been unhappy with his performance in last week’s loss to Canberra, but was far better on Friday night.
“He probably tried too much to play the role of a five-eighth instead of just playing his game — that’s probably a bit my fault.” Meanwhile the Eels coach said it would take more time for the team to fully gel with Moses.
The former Wests Tigers playmaker had a hand in two of the Eels’ tries, while his kicking game bamboozled South Sydney’s Cody Walker at the back.
Eels coach Brad Arthur with Corey Norman after the South Sydney Rabbitohs v Parramatta Eels round 12 NRL game at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Mark Evans
But Arthur said his connection with the team would only get better and reap more rewards once they became accustomed to his style.
“We had a bit of a mentality to work over a few defenders and play with the eyes up (on Friday night),” Arthur said.
“Mitch just responded to what the defence was doing and put himself in a position.
“You could see a lot of our boys weren’t used to it and were in front of him on a pass or a kick.”
Replies
Just have fingers x no one get hurt we can have everbody fireing at the same time
The Gush is a selfless player who will play anywhere, and give 100%, for the good of the team.
Outstanding clubman - possible future captain. Awesome footy player too!!
Go The Gush!!
Agreed about the future captain Kram, he's a winner and he hates losing. The total opposite to the smiling dope who leads us out atm.
1.Guthbus
2. French
3. Jennings
4. Taka
5. Semi
6. Norman
7. Moses.
I reckon Taka could go to the bench - he can cover pretty much every position on the park..
2 explanation marks on 2 occasions.
You were saying, K reamer ica???
But he used them in context you dope lol
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