Gutho is not the answer

I cannot understand the negativity towards Ben hunt here. He was one of the best halves last season and is still a quality half now. We have people here ranting on about "stop hunt" or "no hunt". Get a grip people. Let me put this in perspective for all those people that think guthrsoj is the second coming of a magical 5/8 under Arthur's tutolidge. Guthersoj is not a 5/8 and if he had played a handful of games in that position for another team, albeit well, you would not be touting to sign him. I don't know what people here expect from a half signing as I have seen strong critics for not only hunt but Reynolds... I think people need to take their faith in BA in developing players and apply it to the seasoned halves out there that could actually perform under his guidance. Unless you want a mother 5 year plan gutho is not your answer, BA has indicated this by purchasing the experienced and hardheaded players he has!!

Replies

Ron November 7, 2016 at 9:48pm

#SayNoToHunt
craig marsh November 7, 2016 at 10:00pm

Is semi allowed to train. I dont c him in training photos.
- Ron > craig marsh November 7, 2016 at 10:13pm
  
  Back next week.
- craig marsh > craig marsh November 7, 2016 at 10:30pm
  
  Thanks ron. U rock man.
The French Fullback #1 November 7, 2016 at 10:14pm

I partly agree. I think everyone at some stage this year thought "we're done now" but we kept fighting and winning all the way. Yes, Gutho played well, but I think it seemd better than it may have been at times, because any positive was so rare for us. Can he be a genuine 6? Time will tell. At this stage? No. Defence is good (tick), ball running is good (tick), but I think in organisation, general kicking and passing he is below the level required. When I say that, I mean to win a comp. Who honestly sees us winning a comp with him at half? I have my doubts. Sure, we can probably make the 8 with him there, win a final, but all the way? You need 2 really good halves there to win as recent premiership winning sides show. They need to each have all the genuine skills for it to happen. I'm sure Guth COULD play as a 5/8 in FG, and he COULD develop into a premiership half, but at this stage, it's a no. Players don't simply go from wing to the halves and kill it. Yes he played fullback and centre earlier, maybe even a bit of half as a junior, but honestly, if he was that good he would have played 5/8 as his specialist position. Hunt can win us a GF. He has all the abilities required, though defence needs a bit of work but not heaps. He can run, pass and organise well. In form, great player. For mine, he never really got over the 2015 GF and it showed this year, he just didn't look confident. Took the line on less and was less involved. I think if he gets his mojo back he is a very good player. Hunt & Norman could win a comp and I'd back them to do so more than Gutho/Norman. And that's all this debate comes down to in the end: who will WIN US A COMP? Not be a decent FG half, or even good, who can lift the trophy up for us in the next 3 years when we have the opportunity with the coach, players and culture we're developing?
- Ham Sammich > The French Fullback #1 November 7, 2016 at 11:53pm
  
  You don't need 2 really good halves to win a comp. Sharks won with Townsend, Cowboys won with Morgan and whilst they are good players I wouldn't consider either to be really good halves. I'd say that Gutherson has a similar skill level to Morgan.
  
  I reckon the biggest factor is winning a comp is how many times you have the same team on the park.
- Glenn Lifetime Eel > The French Fullback #1 November 8, 2016 at 10:24am
  
  FF both the Storm and Sharks showed that you don't need 2 quality halves in your team. A combination of one good half and a decent offsider, good solid forwards laying a good platform, good organising hooker and quick backs is the answer.
  
  Does our team have those qualities now?
  
  Halves, maybe.
  
  Forwards, yes
  
  Backs, yes
  
  Hooker, no but maybe King is the answer?
  
  So to answer the question, maybe.
RazorRam0n November 7, 2016 at 10:17pm

again this is another example of hysteria at both extremes. gutho maaaaaaybe the answer....but it's not a risk we NEED to take, gutho has time on his contract to continue to prove himself even if we sign a proven half. i'm sure he'll be happy wherever he gets a start.
Gray Fox November 7, 2016 at 10:29pm

I don't expect Gutherson to emerge as a star five-eight. But I'm happy to give him a go in a team that looks like it will be more than competitive no matter which position he plays. We're not counting on him to carry the team. If he excels then we can talk about him being the long-term option. If he only goes okay, then we target one of many very talented halves available on the market for 2018. We're actually in a pretty damn good position to be in insofar as sorting out our halves conundrum.
- Rowdy Roddy > Gray Fox November 8, 2016 at 12:21am
  
  Yeah, I agree, in fact it sounds like BA's plan to a tee for me.

of 4

"I still think Semi is the best winger I've ever seen. He was the perfect mix of speed, power, and footy instincts, some of the stuff he pulled off was insane."

Eels Blogs

Gutho is not the answer

Replies

More stuff to read

Eels blogs

Recalling our favourite Fijiean Starschrist

Another one

Official: Parramatta Eels upgrade Teancum Brown

Eels demand the NRL hand over all information relating to its involvement in the Lomax saga

Note: this page contains paid content.

Social Blogs

Irony is Even Deader

Shark Attack..... Moses told to be wary of the surf!

Poppa's Dilemma, Welcome to my Corner, come in and have a Cuppa with a Silly Old Bastard. I think it's New Year Shortly?

Keaon done deal

Note: this page contains paid content.