Seeing Reed Mahoney being courted by the Bulldogs isn't exactly panic stations, but it's certainly added some urgency to his negotiations.
Reed is the most important player to the way we play.
He is a generational hooker for the Eels and will be battling Harry Grant over the Queensland nine for the next decade.
Now, Ayoub manages both Gutherson and Mahoney. And it's funny how loud he's been about Gutho and how quiet he has been with Reed.
It's pretty clear there isn't anyone willing to offer Gutho the money he wants for the deal length he wants.
But the more I think about it, Gutherson seems to be the odd man out.
He is on tier below the elite fullbacks. He is very good defensively but that isn't so much an issue. If your selling point for a fullback is their defensive ability then you have some problems.
The best fullbacks turn half chances into tries and Gutherson doesn't do that.
He doesn't possess the pace or deceptive ability to take advantage of half a gap. His future is eventually going to be in the halves.
Parramatta doesn't play a unique style. Every other side plays sweeping second man shapes with the fullback chiming in.
But where the Roosters or Storm or Souths or Manly have a fullback who can create, ours can't.
What's the solution? You could swap Gutherson and Brown.
Brown is faster and has a natural playmaking ability as well as a kicking game. He also has the defensive solidity and fitness to play fullback.
Reed meeting the Dogs could also be the opportunity to reduce Gutho's contract and say "because you screwed us around, we've now risked losing our hooker. That big money deal is off the table and Reed is getting a top up."
Given the option, I'd rather lose Gutho than Reed. One is a nearly 30 fullback who has negotiated in bad faith, the other is an Origin quality hooker.
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Fair assessment.
Agreed. I would be suprised if Reed goes anywhere simply due to the Dogs cap situation. Even if he does, it would mean the Dogs would have to squeeze out some serious talent.
It doesn't seem that long ago there was talk of Parra picking up Cotric due to a cap squeeze, and now they have room to pick up our 700k+ hooker?
On another note, I recall a SMH or Fox article flagging the possibility of a Gutho and D. Brown swap - maybe not so far fetched as it may look.
I love Gutho, but he isn't a $1m fullback.
Looking at the players the dogs have signed, I seriously can't see how they can afford Mahoney.
If we lose Mahoney we are fucked for next year. Guth can be replaced but Mahoney can't especially as the Riff won't let Api go early.
Mate he's signed for next year its for 2023
Yes he is signed for next year but if he signs with the dogs for 2023, I would leave him in reserve grade next year.
Oh Geezus , I say this and I'm a disgruntled fan on a vendetta. Can't wait to see what Poppa has to say about your version of the same thing.
Saying Gutherson doesn't create anything will stir a few on here.
Balanced opinion though, I agree with a lot of what you have said.
Scott
Gutho would be a much stronger 5/8 than fullback. His passing game is his greatest asset.
Personally think the Gutho/Brown switch would utilise the strengths both of them possess.
Gutho certainly isn't a plodder, but he misses the elite fullback mark simply due to his pace.
Gutho isn't a number 6. His best position is fullback.
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