Parramatta No.1 hopefuls Clint Gutherson and Bevan French not worried about Jarryd Hayne threat
IF Jarryd Hayne does return to Parramatta, he will have to get past Clint Gutherson and Bevan French to claim the No.1 jersey. And they’re not flinching.
Eels
Don't miss out on the headlines from Eels. Followed categories will be added to My News.
JARRYD Hayne will have a fight on his hands to reclaim the Parramatta No. 1 jersey because the club’s two fullback frontrunners — Clint Gutherson and Bevan French — have already stood out from the pack in the early pre-season.
Gutherson is returning from a second ACL injury but quickly impressed with his application to his rehabilitation work, while French leads the way in various fitness tests after overcoming a hamstring injury.
Hayne has been heavily linked to an Eels homecoming, and as he spent a day off in Wellington with the Fijian World Cup team on Wednesday, Gutherson and French said they were hardly concerned about the threat of the former favourite son challenging for their preferred position.
RELEASE: Eels silent on Hayne return
The remarkably blase attitude proves just how much the Eels have grown up since their pin-up walked out to pursue his NFL dream three years ago.
“If he comes back he’s back, if he’s not, it doesn’t really bother us,’’ French said. “If he’s not here, we won’t be too fussed.
“If he comes here, him, Gutho and myself will be fighting for that fullback spot. It’s a tough one. I don’t know what will happen there.’’
Gutherson, who resumed straight-line running last week, said of the potential Hayne homecoming: “It’s got nothing to do with me. He’s still a Titan next year as it stands, so I’m not paying any interest in that.
“I haven’t spoken to (coach Brad Arthur) about it, and it’s not really a conversation we need to have until it’s done or if it isn’t done.’’
Hayne’s management have sounded out interest from Sydney clubs about next year so he can be closer to his daughter. Gold Coast Titans players believe Hayne will honour the $1.2 million deal he has in place for 2018.
Hayne could easily slot into the centres at the Eels where he has a lot of close friends and a rock-solid relationship with Arthur. Parramatta also have some room in their cap for next year.
Gutherson, one of the Eels best last season, is aiming for a return in round one, and looked right at home at fullback before he broke down against the Wests Tigers in round 21.
French, 21, also showed glimpses of brilliance at the back and was expected to be used as the first-string No. 1 when the initial Hayne return rumours surfaced more than 12 months ago.
About half the squad are back training, the likes of Corey Norman and Kenny Edwards resume next week, while the likes of Tim Mannah, Mitchell Moses, Michael Jennings and Manu Ma’u are still involved with the World Cup.
Things look great on the field for the Eels, and now their off-field affairs are on the up after Aland came on board as their major sponsor for the next two seasons.
Not only is the deal a financial boost for the club, CEO Bernie Gurr said it was a ‘’very good indication we’ve taken a pretty big step’’ past the endless dramas involving the salary cap rorts and factionalism.