Parramatta’s recruitment target to replace Gutherson revealed

New details have emerged about the Eels’ bombshell plan to replace Clinton Gutherson with a recruitment target identified.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 10: Clinton Gutherson of the Eels looks dejected after the round two NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Cronulla Sharks at CommBank Stadium on March 10, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

New details have emerged about Parramatta’s plot to replace captain Clinton Gutherson.

It was revealed last week the Eels were given Gutherson’s approval before entering the market for a so-called x-factor fullback that could give the club a spark.

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Gutherson is reported to have given the club his “blessing” to hunt for a fullback — even though it would likely force him into a position switch or even time on the bench.

There has now been a significant development with one of the club’s trade targets identified.

Titans young gun Jayden Campbell is reportedly in the Eels’ sights despite remaining under contract on the Gold Coast.

Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas revealed on Nine’s 100% Footy the Campbell would potentially be available to make an immediate move to the Eels because of a clause in his contract.

Campbell has been on the bench for the Titans so far this season and could be tempted by the move given the Titans have 24-year-old star AJ Brimson as their No. 1 fullback.

Rugby league legend Paul Gallen was sceptical about the potential move when it was brought up on 100% Footy.

“Is he as good as Gutho?” Gallen said, before expressing his surprise the Eels were considering anyone but Gutherson as a fullback.

“He (Gutherson) is 28 turning 29. He’s still got another two or three years at his peak.

“... 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’re not leaving their clubs. Their clubs are not letting them go.”

Gutherson is the Eels’ captain. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

It is a bold move from Parramatta, who scored its first win of the year earlier this week in a golden point thriller against Western Sydney rivals Penrith.

Gutherson, the team’s captain, has been with the Eels since 2016 and formed a strong combination with existing halves Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses.

Premiership-winning fullback Billy Slater was in shock when he learned of the news.

“I can’t believe it, to be honest,” Slater said on Channel 9.

“I think Clint Gutherson is one of the best fullbacks in the game. Sometimes we look at the shiny, bright stuff that the fullbacks can do, and Gutherson adds so much more to that team than the bright, shiny stuff.

“I look at that position and think, ‘Can that team win a competition with that player at fullback?’ and I can see that with Clint Gutherson.

“So I can’t believe that they would be looking elsewhere.”

NRL legend Cooper Cronk also slammed the Eels for the public move.

“X-factor might score you a try or two, but Clint Gutherson will save you three or four,” Cronk said on NRL360 on Monday night.

“Like that’s just… he’s one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game, I think his workrate is through the roof and you have X-factor with Brown and 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.”

Originally published as Parramatta’s recruitment target to replace Gutherson revealed