The Eels dropped a bombshell on the NRL world when they let it be know they would hit the open market to bolster their backline.
The Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Chammas broke the news on Sunday, revealing Clint Gutherson gave the club his blessing to make any signings that would assist in winning a premiership.
Parramatta powerbrokers have reportedly been ringing around for an outside back who could wear the No.14 jersey or even take up the No.1 jersey with Gutherson shifting positions.
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Parramatta’s shock bid certainly doesn’t confirm Gutherson’s time at fullback will come to an end, however if it benefits the team he said told Big Sports Breakfast he would be happy to wear a different number.
The Eels are reportedly seeking a “gamebreaker” or an “X-factor” player to add to their premiership credentials after falling to the Panthers in the 2022 grand final.
Parramatta reportedly have a significant amount of cap space to work with, hoping to make the perfect signing to mount another charge to the grand final.
Read below for the players who could be the ‘X-factor’ the Eels are looking for!
KAEO WEEKES
Weekes was upgraded from a development contract in 2022, signing on until the end of 2023 but is without a contract for next season.
The 21-year-old has played only five NRL games, coming off the bench this season under Anthony Seibold after a blistering pre-season campaign.
Weekes is a fullback by trade and could easily slot into the No.1 role at a rival club, showcasing his speed and versatility in a short career.
However, with Dylan Walker departing at the end of the 2022 season, Seibold’s utility stocks are running thin so a move seems unlikely.
But with Tom Trbojevic having a mortgage on the fullback spot at Manly, Weekes is unlikely to start for years to come and could look elsewhere.
TOM CHESTER
Chester has been impressive filling in for the suspended Scott Drinkwater, proving to be a more than capable fullback in first grade.
The 21-year-old is a livewire, with the ability to break a game open with darting runs and in his two games this season he has crossed in both.
Chester could stamp his claim for the utility role under Payten for the remainder of 2023 and will likely fight it out with Jake Granville when Drinkwater returns in Round 6.
However, Chester may entertain a move with his path to regular starting football blocked.
JAYDEN CAMPBELL
The Eels have reportedly begun making inquiries about the Titans star in a move which could see him switch mid-contract.
Campbell, 23, is contracted with the Titans until the end of next season but reportedly has a get-out clause in his contract.
The son of NRL great Preston Campbell is a livewire talent but has found himself behind A.J Brimson in the fullback position at the Titans.
While Campbell may not be the talent to usurp Gutherson on a permanent basis, he could fit the bill as an injection of pace and game-breaking ability off the bench.
JACK WELSBY
Welsby was excellent for St Helens in the World Club Challenge to down the NRL’s back-to-back champions the Panthers.
Reports emerged NRL clubs were keen on signing the 22-year-old fullback after a standout performance against the Dragons a week earlier and a stellar World Cup campaign.
Welsby has an impressive turn of foot and playmaking prowess that would make him a perfect fit for the NRL – and the Eels could pounce to pair him with fellow Englishmen Josh Hodgson.
For any NRL club to secure Welsby’s signature, they would have to pay a hefty transfer fee and table a lucrative contract, but the Eels reportedly have the cap space to burn.
HAMISO TABUAI-FIDOW
Tabuai-Fidow departed the Cowboys looking for regular starting time at fullback and the Maroons representative has excelled under Wayne Bennett.
The 21-year-old leads the NRL’s try-scoring leaderboard with five four pointers in four games, but one man could steal his No.1 jersey in 2024.
The Dolphins have signed Herbie Farnworth and the Broncos gun is reportedly looking to play fullback, with Reece Walsh firming as the Red Hill club’s long term No.1.
Tabuai-Fidow is unlikely to leave the Dolphins and is contracted until the end of 2024, but with free cap space the Eels could table a mammoth deal.
DAINE LAURIE
Laurie has fallen down the pecking order under Tim Sheens, losing his spot to Adam Doueihi.
On his day, the 23-year-old is a dangerous attacking weapon but has fallen victim to the Tigers’ lacklustre performances in recent seasons.
After sitting out for a week with a knee injury, Laurie returned in the No.14 jersey in Round 4, proving he ticks all the boxes for the Eels, being able to play the utility role.
He also remains without a contract for the 2024 season and Tigers powerbrokers could be willing to let him go early to free up cap space to make a big signing to turn the club’s fortunes around.
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TOLUTAU KOULA
Koula is hot property after a blistering start to his short 23-game NRL career, with both Rugby Australia and Manly vying for his signature.
According to the SMH, the Sea Eagles have begun negotiations to extend his current deal which expires in 2024.
Meanwhile the 15-man code reportedly tabled a deal worth $800,000 per-season to pry him back to rugby union.
The Eels would likely have to stump up to snatch the speedster from Anthony Seibold and the lure of playing fullback might entice Koula to the Eels.
Manly, however, will likely do everything they can to keep the 20-year-old at Brookvale for years to come.
BRADMAN BEST
Best is a centre by trade and, on his day, the 21-year-old is one of the competition’s premier outside backs.
Best is off contract at the end of 2024 and any move for the barnstorming gun would see Gutherson remain at fullback.
The Knights star, however, possesses the ‘X-factor’ the Eels are after and the centre pairing of Will Penisini and Best would be a handful for rivals..
A question mark remain over Best’s ability to stay injury free but when it comes to a player who can break a game open, he fits the bill.
KRYSTIAN MAPAPALANGI
Another Knights outside back, Mapapalangi has only played two NRL games since making his debut in Round 23 last season.
The 20-year-old recorded a try assist with his very first touch in first grade and is stuck behind Bradman Best and Dane Gagai in the pecking order.
In his two appearances it was clear Mapapalangi had what it took to be a successful first grader and Alex McKinnon told Fox Sports “he could be a great” utility player off the bench.
Mapapalangi has also played at five-eighth for the Knights through their pathways and could be a solid injection of pace and power for the Eels off the bench.
With his path to first grade being blocked by several players, the young gun could be open to a move elsewhere.
BLAKE TAAFFE
Taaffe put his name up in lights with a solid grand final performance in 2021, filling in for the suspended Latrell Mitchell.
The 23-year-old has made only 20 NRL appearances since debuting in Round 15 of that year, most recently playing off the bench.
Taaffe could take over at fullback from Gutherson or be injected into the game from the utility role.
The young gun’s first grade minutes also were cut after the arrival of Siliva Havili, with coach Jason Demetriou opting to play two hookers.
Taaffe is a consistent operator and could be allowed to depart early, with his current contract expiring at the end of this season.
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JOSEPH SUAALII
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While a move for Joseph Suaalii is incredibly unlikely, the Eels could launch an audacious bid for the versatile outside back.
The 19-year-old has taken up his option with the Roosters for 2024 but will depart the following year after inking a multi-million dollar deal with Rugby Australia.
It’s highly unlikely the Roosters would let the teen star go early but could be tempted if the Eels were willing to chip in a substantial amount for his current $700,000 salary.
Suaalii has also made it clear he wants to lift the trophy with the Roosters before he leaves the sport.
ROGER TUIVASA-SCHECK
Another player that is incredibly unlikely to make a move back to the NRL, let alone with the Eels, a club he has never played for before.
Tuivasa-Sheck is contracted with New Zealand rugby for this season, and according to The Herald, his management informed the Warriors he won’t be returning to the club in 2024.
His preference is reportedly to play the 15-man code in Japan if he is unable to extend his deal across the Tasman.
Tuivasa-Sheck is one of the NRL’s best fullbacks and previously won the Dally M Medal.
However, a return to Australia’s top flight with the Eels seems off the cards as it stands.
