The discussion surrounding Parramatta's desire to sign another fullback has been shut down by two NRL greats, with questions now raised about Clint Gutherson and his future at the club.
A shock report emerged from The Sydney Morning Herald over the weekend, revealing that the Eels had met with Gutherson to discuss potentially adding an X-factor player to their outside backs.
Despite being the captain of the club and one of their most important players, Gutherson could potentially move to the centres in 2024 if the blue and gold are able to land a younger and more exciting option at the back.
The 28-year-old has played over 160 games for the Eels, leading them to a grand final appearance last year and consistently being among their best performers both in attack and defence.
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Speaking on NRL 360, NRL legend Cooper Cronk was in shock to hear of Parramatta's bold decision.
“X-factor might score you a try or two, but Clint Gutherson will save you three or four,” he said.
“He’s one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game, I think his work rate is through the roof and you have X-factor with [Dylan] Brown and [Mitchell] Moses in your halves combination.
“I find this really strange, considering it is Gutherson who is elite, he’s your captain and having an honest conversation about bringing X-factor, I find it crazy.
“It doesn’t work for me, and he’s one of the elite fullbacks in our game...maybe change his game style, don’t throw him out.”
Gutherson is averaging over 160 run metres per game this season, while also scoring two tries and making 10 tackle breaks in Parramatta's four games.
Premiership-winning Sharks great Paul Gallen was also quick to question the discussion from the Eels and believes that Gutherson is among the best fullbacks in the competition.
“I just can’t believe it – he is turning 30, he has still got another two or three years at his peak," Gallen said on 100% Footy.
"Let’s think about the top-notch fullbacks out there, we’re talking about Latrell Mitchell, Turbo [Tom Trbojevic], [James] Tedesco and maybe [Ryan] Papenhuyzen. They are not leaving their clubs.
"Gutho is probably a tier below them at the moment. Gutho is such a good player. If they could get one of those four guys or maybe Manu, fair enough."
Following the mega contract extensions for both Brown and Moses, Parramatta remain in a strong position with their roster to compete for a title in the coming years.
But according to Phil Gould, there may be more than meets the eye as far as the latest developments are concerned.
“I think the story is arse-up," he said on 100% Footy.
"I think the approach came from Gutherson himself, he was worried about the depth at the club. I think he instigated the conversation…it had nothing to do with them shopping for another one.
"I’ll be very interested to see what Clint Gutherson says about it – I highly doubt Parramatta went to Gutherson and said ‘we want to look for a better fullback than you’…I just don’t think that happened.
"I think Gutherson instigated the conversation, I think you will find that to be a fact."
Is Clint Gutherson leaving the Eels?
At this stage, there is no indication that Gutherson will leave the Eels.
The recent discussion is solely around what position he will play for the club long-term, with the captain contracted until the end of 2025.
How old is Clint Gutherson?
Clint Gutherson is 28 years old and will turn 29 at the end of this season.
Clint Gutherson career stats
| Games | 171 |
| Tries | 74 |
| Goals | 98 |
| Try Assists | 90 |
| Linebreaks | 82 |
| Average Run Metres | 146m |
| Forced Dropouts | 41 |
Clint Gutherson contract
Clint Gutherson is contracted until the end of the 2025 NRL season.
