Parramatta’s rotten season had its first casualty when long-term coach Brad Arthur was axed just a few months into the campaign.
After the coach departed it was rumoured a mass exodus would soon follow him at the Eels.
This hasn’t exactly happened yet with Clint Gutherson, Mitch Moses and Ryan Matterson still at the club as Jason Ryles takes over.
However, the incoming coach will oversee a host of changes with a number of fringe first graders leaving along with forward stalwart Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
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Where will Clint Gutherson play next season?
Gutherson, who is entering into the final year of his contract, was touted as another potential high-profile exit, but Ryles dismissed this prospect during his first interview at the helm.
"Immediately he's a big part of the plans," Ryles said of the fullback when speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Although where the veteran fits into these plans remains uncertain with the club set to welcome Zac Lomax and Penrith young gun Isaiah Iongi to the club.
Both signings could be viewed as potential long-term No.1’s, with Gutherson’s time in the jersey he has had a mortgage on in recent seasons seemingly coming to an end.
"I see him as real good coverage for all positions really on the field, especially all our backs and then at No.13, nine and that sort of role there," Ryles revealed.
"I spoke to Clint first and said, ‘This is the plan and this is what I’m thinking’. I couldn’t have got more buy-in."
Gutherson visibly struggled with a knee issue throughout the year which restricted his movements and often resulted in him hobbling or hunched over after making a big play.
Ryles’ willingness to move him to the centres could reduce the amount of workload placed upon him.
This has also been a constant theme in recent times with Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic often touted for moves out of the fullback spot and into the centres to save their legs.
However, a switch to lock doesn’t make much sense for the Eels given they have just handed a new deal to J’maine Hopgood, who has excelled in the role since his move from the Panthers.
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Arthur struggled to land on a first-choice hooker during his last season in charge with Josh Hodgson’s medically enforced retirement catching the club out.
Joey Lussick started the year in the No.9 jersey before he was usurped by Brendan Hands in Round 14, who then became the first-choice under interim coach Trent Barrett.
Although, neither man’s statistics make for good reading with Hands contributing a try and two assists in 19 appearances and Lussick crossing for five tries to go with two assists in the same number of matches.
The duo’s struggles highlighted how Parramatta's lack of attacking threat out of dummy-half could ultimately lead to Gutherson being moved to the middle of the park.
"I think Gutho is at a stage now where he’s got an enormous amount to contribute still to our footy team and footy club," Ryles continued.
"Obviously, it could be a fullback, or it could be another part of the field for us as well."
