NRL 2023: Fox Sports Lab previews Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels clash

The Eels have a big roster issue that threatens their chances of toppling the Roosters, but it has nothing to do with the talk surrounding their co-captain and fullback, Clint Gutherson.

A resurgent Parramatta face an uphill battle in their bid to kickstart their 2023 NRL campaign, but it has nothing to do with speculation around co-captain Clint Gutherson’s future.

The Eels’ roster was back in the spotlight this week with revelations the club had told Gutherson they were in the market to sign a game-breaking player, potentially another fullback, to boost their premiership hopes.

Speaking inside the Fox Sports Lab, NRL great Josh Morris told host Eloise Sohier denied the talk of Gutherson potentially moving into the centres would be a distraction heading into Thursday night’s clash with the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

“No, I don’t think so, Morris said.

“Gutho, he’s their captain, he knows what’s best for the club and if that means bringing someone else in to help the club, well then he’s certainly for that.”

Parramatta got their first win of the season last week after a Mitchell Moses field goal secured them a 17-16 golden-point victory over defending premiers Penrith.

“They certainly look like they’re back,” Morris said.

The tackle that got Eels prop Junior Paulo suspended. Picture: NRL photos

“That was a really hard-fought win against the Panthers, going into golden point. They’ll get a lot of confidence, beating the premiers.”

The win came at a “massive cost”, however, with co-captain Junior Paulo suspended for two games for a high tackle on impressive Penrith second-rower Zac Hosking.

Morris believes the loss of Paulo will be too much for the Eels to overcome against the Roosters, who head into the match off the back of an impressive win over local rivals South Sydney a fortnight ago.

“He’s their forward pack leader and it means that another couple of forwards are going to have to step up,” Morris said of Paulo.

“They’re probably pretty light on middle forwards as well so it’s a big loss for them.

“I’m tipping the Roosters. They’re fresh off the bye, but they had a really good performance against Souths.

“They’ll be looking to repeat that and then take on Parra for the win.”

Watch the Fox Sports Lab NRL video segment above.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Fox Sports Lab previews Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels clash