Arthur's babes, French - Gutherson to fill Gordon void. - Eels Blogs

The pain of Michael Gordon's likely departure from Parramatta at season's end is being tempered by the Eels' generation next.Gordon, 32, is widely expected to join the Sydney Roosters for the 2017 NRL season after just one season with the Eels.The former Penrith and Cronulla flyer could even leave the Eels mid-season, according to some reports, but coach Brad Arthur doesn't appear too concerned."It's a loss when you lose any player," Arthur said."Flash always knew it was going to be a one-year deal. He's proven to be a handy acquisition for us."There was an opportunity to keep him for next year but there's better opportunities for him at the Roosters so good luck to him."Arthur says young guns Clint Gutherson and Bevan French are the contenders to succeed Gordon at fullback when he does leave the Eels.Gutherson has been an ever-present for the Eels following his off-season move from Manly.French first caught the eye during the Eels' successful Auckland Nines campaign, scoring eight tries in that tournament and earning a spot in the team of the event.He then had a try-scoring NRL debut in narrow 20-18 win over Newcastle in round 12."We don't want to block their pathways and both of them want to play fullback at some stage," Arthur said."Flash has done a really good job for us and he'll continue to do a good job for us while he's here."

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Replies

Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 June 16, 2016 at 12:42pm

Gutherson will get the fullback job for mine. French is the long term option, but i feel he may have to bide his time on the wing for 2017.

Gutherson's size in defense will make him first choice.
- Ham Sammich > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 June 16, 2016 at 12:49pm
  
  Wouldn't Gutherson's size mean that he's better in the front line?
- Bean > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 June 16, 2016 at 12:52pm
  
  I think Gutho is doing a great job in the centres and I'd like to see him there for the rest of the year while Taka plays in the halves.
Tragiceel June 16, 2016 at 12:46pm

Dose this mean Hayne will be 5/8?
- Nitram > Tragiceel June 16, 2016 at 1:00pm
  
  Lol
- BG > Tragiceel June 17, 2016 at 9:40am
  
  Hayne to ball playing roving lock.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER June 16, 2016 at 12:53pm

I agree with Ham I would put Gutherson in the centres play French at full back
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER June 16, 2016 at 1:14pm
  
  Problem is, would Guth replace Taka or Jennings ?
  I very much doubt that would happen
- Wayne > ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER June 16, 2016 at 1:29pm
  
  Taka to the bench and used as an impact player. I dont think we lose much playing Gutherson at centre.
  
  Taka has been solid this year without being great. Might be the fact he isn't on the left along side Semi.
Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown June 16, 2016 at 12:56pm

Fair calls from BA and theres good things for Gutho ahead, he's going ok, and every game of FG Bevan gets at this point is invaluable, they both offer a lot more dynamics in attack than Gordon, so its all good