Clint Gutherson has given Parramatta his blessing to scour the market for a fullback, confirming he is prepared to shift positions if it will help the club win more games.
The Herald revealed on Sunday the Eels were looking for an X-factor in a bid to break their premiership drought, which could be in the form of a fullback despite Gutherson producing arguably career-best form in the No.1 jersey.
Speaking on Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday, Gutherson said he had discussed the issue with coach Brad Arthur with a view to improving the roster.
“We’ve got three spots to fill in our top 30 and we were just going back and forth with what we need, where we want to go in the next few years and this season as well,” Gutherson said.
“I just said ‘Let’s look at everyone.’ I’m there to win games, I’ve always said I’m there to win. I just love to play footy and win games. Obviously this has come out in the last 24 hours, I think it’s been blown out of proportion, to be honest.
“I said to Brad that I would be happy to win games of footy, as would everyone else in the team. Wherever you play, you just want to win …
Clint Gutherson has no qualms with Parramatta hitting the market for a fullback.Credit:Getty
“It doesn’t bother me one bit, I woke up this morning with a smile on my face and I’m going to work soon. It doesn’t bother me.”
If a suitable fullback could be found, one of the options would be to shift Gutherson in the centres, potentially at the expense of Waqa Blake.
“I’ll be open to it, but Brad said to me they won’t just do it to do it,” Gutherson said.
“It’s one of those things they will make sure that if it does happen, it’s going to be the right player. From all I’ve heard, there’s been no talks with anyone else yet. I’m just going about my business, I think I’m only getting into the best part of my career now.
“It’s going to be hard to find someone to replace me and I’ll keep that spot as long as I can.”
Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, Phil Gould suggested it was Gutherson’s idea to scour the market. A potential target is Gold Coast flyer Jayden Campbell, who has a mutual option in his contract for 2024. However, Campbell is expected to extend his stay at the Titans.
Gutherson also weighed into the debate about whether Joseph Suaalii should be considered for State of Origin selection after signing with Rugby Australia from 2025. Gutherson, who has made three appearances for the Blues and will again be on the fringe of selection, said he and other contenders wouldn’t have an issue if Suaalii was chosen ahead of them.
“I don’t think so,” Gutherson said. “He’s obviously committed to the Roosters for the next two years and if you’re good enough to be playing in the Origin arena, you’re going to get picked.
“It doesn’t matter about where you’re going or what you’re doing, he has signed that two-year deal with the Roosters and secured his future [after that]. It’s a smart move from him to end that speculation and he can get on with what he’s trying to do at the Roosters and trying to win a comp.
“When the time comes around to move to rugby, he’ll move to rugby. It’s one of those things where I’m sure Freddy and the team will pick the best players for the series and if that’s Joseph, it’s going to be Joseph.”
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