Bevan French, Clint Gutherson battle for Eels fullback role
Parramatta will roll out a host of big guns for tonight’s trial against Canberra, but Clint Gutherson has singled out two young guns for Eels fans to watch.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Cowboys premiership star quits to join Rabbitohs
- Eels recruit’s big challenge: ‘I know I’ve got it in me’
Parramatta’s Clint Gutherson and Bevan French will be in action tonight in two different states but with one thing in mind: the Eels fullback position.
French, who will feature in tonight’s All Stars game in Melbourne, has been vocal about his No. 1 ambitions.
But Gutherson confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that he is still coach Brad Arthur’s preferred custodian.
“At the moment I’m in the fullback position so I think I’ll get first crack but I just want to help the team out so if Brad puts me somewhere I’ll do it no questions asked,” Gutherson said.
Arthur will roll out some of his big guns in tonight’s trial against Canberra in St Marys, including Gutherson, Mitchell Moses and Michael Jennings.
But most of the focus will be on teenager Dylan Brown, who is leading the race to replace Corey Norman and partner Moses in the halves this year.
Youngster Jaeman Salmon has also been named despite the fact he will miss the opening rounds due to a suspension for drink driving charges.
While Salmon is another halves contender, Gutherson said the naturally gifted footballer could slot into any position but was likely to be tested in the outside backs tonight.
“He just wants to get out there and be on the field. You can put him anywhere, whether it’s in the centres or in the halves or even on the bench. It doesn’t bother him,” he said.
Gutherson said that while Arthur had named some his biggest and brightest stars, Eels fans should play close attention to Ethan Parry and Haze Dunster. The up-and-coming outside backs have been a standout during preseason and are edging closer to their respective NRL debuts.
“Ethan is still real young and so is Haze actually. Haze was in our big 13 there for a while at training when Fergo (Blake Ferguson) was out injured. They are both chipping away where they can. They’re names to remember at the moment that's for sure,” he said.
New recruit Junior Paulo was also named and fellow forward Manu Ma’u says Paulo’s addition to Parramatta’s roster will add some much needed venom up front.
“He’ll bring a little of what we have been missing with our go forward, that leg strength in the middle. He’ll be an enforcer,” Ma’u said.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has opted for a side made of up mostly second-tier players. As expected, Raiders fans will have to wait one more week before they can a chance to see their new halves combination of Aidan Sezer and Jack Wighton. Sam Williams has been named and is likely to partner Dean Matterson in the halves. Former New Zealand Warrior, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will make his first appearance in lime green only a week after joining his new team at training.
Every game of every round of the NRL Telstra Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. SIGN UP NOW!
Originally published as Bevan French, Clint Gutherson battle for Eels fullback role
The doping disaster which saw NRL star tackle billion dollar industry
Ten years after his career almost ended prematurely, Raiders star Hudson Young has launched his own supplements company to ensure rising athletes don’t make the same mistake as him.
Storm’s Last Dance? Bellamy plots GF revenge before poaching raid
In what could be his final year in Melbourne, Craig Bellamy has the Storm primed for revenge after last year’s grand final loss. And it may be his last chance before the club is raided by cashed-up rivals.