The Agenda: Clint Gutherson on the move as Eels eye spine shake-up

A pivotal selection call looms for Parramatta, while injury has opened the door for a playmaker to lock down a new contract — check out all the latest talking points in NRL Agenda.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 26: Clint Gutherson of the Eels makes a break during the round 13 NRL match between Parramatta Eels and North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium on May 26, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Injury carnage and off-field behaviour will force NRL coaches to dig deep into their depth stocks ahead of round 15.

That could result in a spine shake-up for Parramatta, while elsewhere one next man up has the chance to turn the opportunity into a new contract deal — check out all the latest talking points in NRL Agenda.

Selection call: Parramatta five-eighth

The immediate playing future of Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown is uncertain, and it raises a conundrum in the spine for coach Brad Arthur.

The club only last month let Jake Arthur, who would have been Brown’s likely replacement, join Manly.

With no real depth options outside of utility Daejarn Asi, coach Arthur does have another option in fullback Clint Gutherson.

It’s a case of weakening one position to strengthen another but Gutherson, who has played 20 games in the No.6 jumper for the Eels, is already a key cog in Parramatta’s attack and has high involvement in tries and attacking plays.

A switch to five-eighth takes Gutherson closer to the action, alongside halfback Mitchell Moses. Back-rowers Bryce Cartwright and Ryan Matterson are also options having played in the position in the past.

It would leave Arthur looking for someone to cover Gutherson at fullback.

Youngster Sean Russell or Bailey Simonsson are likely to step into the No.1 jumper if Gutherson makes the move to five-eighth.

Simonsson had ambitions to play fullback while at Canberra, but was stuck behind Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

Clint Gutherson on the charge for Parra. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Market Mover: Jack Cogger

Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary is out for six weeks and in the midst of a crisis there is always an opportunity — this time it’s Jack Cogger’s chance to shine.

Penrith have a knack of choosing the right depth halves for Cleary and Jarome Luai.

Last year it was Sean O’Sullivan, who ended up signing a long-term NRL deal as a first-choice halfback for the Dolphins on the back of his time in the Penrith system.

Cogger is only signed until the end of this season, and the next six weeks are poised to be the perfect audition for the 25-year-old to secure his future in the NRL.

The early signs are good. He slotted in seamlessly when the Panthers star was taken off the field and even executed a Cleary-esque cross-field kick to set up Brian To’o for a try.

A number of clubs could do with a handy, no-fuss halfback in their roster like the Wests Tigers, and now Parramatta.

The next few weeks will determine if, like O’Sullivan, Cogger is a halfback who can offer more than just utility and depth value.

Jacob Kiraz is a big chance of returning for the Bulldogs against the Eels. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

SuperCoach watch: Jacob Kiraz

The long turnaround into next Monday’s clash against Parramatta should ensure Jacob Kiraz’s availability for the Bulldogs in round 15.

The Canterbury winger was a late withdrawal last weekend with an elbow injury, which means he hasn’t moved from his bargain price of $486,400 this week.

But his timely return means he covers bye rounds 16 and 19. Kiraz has a high work rate and can notch up the tackle busts and offloads.

It’s worth noting that Kiraz was just getting back to his best after the MCL injury he picked up in April.

Originally published as The Agenda: Clint Gutherson on the move as Eels eye spine shake-up