Here in Eels territory, we don’t do injuries in half measures. With the devastating news that fan favourite Clint Gutherson will be joining Isaac De Gois, Beau Scott and Kaysa Pritchard on the sideline with a season ending injury, thoughts will need to shift from disappointment to planning positively around his absence.
Fortunately, there are options – even though it’s impossible to find another Gutho.
In this instance it’s not just a matter of putting another player in his position, it’s about having players stepping up to fill the void left by “The King”.
This needs a little explanation, so let’s look at what Clint Gutherson brings to the team and how the players need to lift.
Leadership/Talk
Having the benefit of watching Gutho on the training paddock, I am in a position to comment on the leadership he brings to the team. The versatile star is one of the biggest talkers at Saleyards, and it’s not just team spirit engendering humour. Gutherson constantly communicates with the team during opposed sessions, and often addresses his team mates as they gather for a talk at the end of sessions.
Gutho – an inspiration in his preparation and his performances.
Of course, this talk has also been evident during NRL matches, with Gutherson revealing on the Sunday footy show that he doesn’t hesitate to give team mates a spray when necessary. Such leadership has rapidly earned him the respect of his fellow players who have identified how crucial his voice has become in the heat of the footy battle.
The importance of having a strong and intelligent voice at fullback must be acknowledged. The custodian’s role includes organising the defence line, and it’s no coincidence that Parramatta’s recent miserly defence has coincided with Gutherson’s shift to the back.
I see two players stepping up here.
Mitchell Moses, though new to the team, looks a natural leader. We saw evidence during the Tigers match as the ex-Tiger gathered the team around him on a couple of key moments to issue instructions. As a half, leadership goes with the territory, but for a player who is only a recent addition to the Eels, it’s an incredibly encouraging sign.
The signs have also been there at training. The young half is one of the more vocal players at Old Saleyards and has been since just after joining the squad. From my perspective, a big part of the improvement in his defence has been his intelligent communication with the players around him. He appears to be taking ownership of the team and this will become increasingly important in Gutherson’s absence.
The other player who will likely lift will be our new fullback, Bevan French. Though no stranger to the role, last year’s break out player will need to find his voice when organising the defensive line. French has incredible football smarts and genuine game sense. He plays in a style that screams confidence. The team will need to hear him barking at them with that confidence out on the field.
It would be remiss to not acknowledge the role that Norman will need to play. As part of the spine Corey has to manage the game. He’s always been a big talker and we’ve heard him miked up on Sterlo’s program. At training, he’s one of the jokers. To the NRL community, he’s seen as one of the game’s few “characters”. Gutho is also a character, but his serious competitive nature takes over in both his preparation and his execution.
The Eels need Norman at his best right now.
I don’t want Normz to change who he is, but I’m looking to him to help the other players to stay focussed on their roles. It’s a big ask when footballers have to be concerned with more than themselves out on the field, but as a senior player, Corey has the ability to provide some of what Gutherson offers to others. I don’t think we’ve seen Norman in peak form yet this year. The time has come.
Support Play
This is Captain Obvious territory. The reason that “The King” is so successful is his uncanny knack to always be around the action. It was a huge part of the necessity to have him in the spine.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Bevan, it’s over to you again.
In the first couple of rounds, French filled this role nicely. After injury struck, it was almost as if he began to overplay his role, even overthink it. Suddenly, footy didn’t look so natural around the young star, so the shift to the wing occurred – and hasn’t he found his mojo again. The team, and Eels fans, will be looking for Bevan to be lurking around the action, ready to inject himself into the play in his customary unpredictable manner.
However, let’s add a proviso. Although he needs to fill Gutho’s void in this support play, we don’t want him to actually be Gutho. We want him to be Bevan French. Therein will lie the key to his success in taking on the custodian position.
French can maintain his try scoring feats through playing his natural game at the back.
Goal Kicking
Plenty was said about Gutherson being a “stop-gap” kicker, but given his prominence on the leading point scorer table, few would argue about his success.
So the focus will now turn to the already mentioned Mitchell Moses.
Having already held the kicking responsibilities at the Tigers, the Eels half is no stranger to these duties. He’s not short on confidence, and some pundits even thought he may have taken on the job after joining the club. However, Arthur was not about to change a decision which had been working and developing nicely as the season progressed.
This is probably one of those rare times when we would say, “How lucky are the Eels!”
Had Moses not joined Parra mid season, the options would have been very limited. Semi Radradra would probably have got the nod (and he might still get the gig). However, with only one NRL goal to his credit, it’s plenty of pressure to place on “Bula” at this end of the year. We will find out soon enough.
Will Moses add goal kicking to his list of responsibilities?
The Intangible
If there’s something about Gutherson that’s near impossible to replace, it’s basically the intangible qualities of the man himself. He’s a competitor. He loves the game, he loves winning. He’s energy personified. He’s a character that the players want to play alongside.
How do you replace that? It’s simple – you can’t.
But this is perhaps the greatest example of where I’d like to see the entire team rise in his absence. I have little doubt that the players have found some of that 2016 resolve again, but in the wake of Gutherson’s injury, maybe they need to find something more. Maybe they can do it for him.
The New Face
A replacement will need to be found to fill the wing spot vacated by Bevan French.
With Josh Hoffman currently on the sidelines, Kirisome Auva’a is my tip to come into the team right now. As a premiership winner, he will not be fazed by big end of season matches or big crowds. And though he’s not as familiar with the wing position, he has trained in that role on multiple occasions throughout the season.
Auva’a is my tip to get the nod for a first grade recall.
George Jennings could also be a contender. His form on the wing for Wenty demands consideration for elevation to the NRL, and being able to play outside his brother would be an added bonus. From what I’ve observed at Ringrose and at training, he’s an intelligent player. That’s often an important consideration when Brad Arthur considers the merits of a player.
Nathan Davis earned a call up on the wing for the Darwin trip, and plenty were critical of his performance. However, I’m prepared to forget that match, primarily because I see him as either a centre or a fullback (and he is a talented player with a future). For that reason, I believe that he is less likely to get the nod.
Some fans may also ask about John Folau. After all, he has played on the wing in first grade. For anyone who doesn’t follow the ISP, Johnny has made a real fist of his shift to the back row – so much so that I believe he will crack first grade again – this time as a back rower. I don’t believe that the coaches will shift him off his current path.
No Surprises
So with the team moving into crucial matches in the run home to the finals, it would seem that most of the extra responsibilities now lie with the spine backs. There’ll be no reinvention of the wheel in replacing our most consistent player.
Critically, the Eels simply need all players to be the best versions of themselves to get the job done. It will be a challenge without Gutherson, but it will be far from mission impossible.
Lets make sure we turn up in big numbers to support the boys – starting this week with the Broncos.
Eels forever!
Sixties
I think there should be absolutely no excuses concerning our upcoming matches and our finals aspirations.
Every team carries injuries throughout this period. Thurston, Maloney, Gordon, Friend, Moylan, Cartwright, Matt Scott, Johnson ect.
The Eels are well placed as our Pack is virtually full strength. We aren’t losing anything in regards to King, and Scott although a good leader, hasn’t great impact off the bench and with Terepo along with Frank coming in, there’s we’re better served.
We’re lucky to have French who needs to step up now that he’s over the knee injury. Our halves are fit and settled, and we have Auva’a and Hoff along with Takairangi Semi Jennings to form a formidable backline.
Gutherson is a loss, but there should be absolutely no excuses against the Broncos.
Some are saying the short turn around may be a factor, but we are well rested coming off two recent byes
Gee chief i see kaysa and scott as major losses in pack .
Agreed Chika. As I said to Chief, it’s a measure of the squad created by BA that we can cover significant losses.
Chief, the team won’t make any excuses, even when it may seem valid. It’s part of their ethos. Yes Chief, many teams suffer significant injuries, but it’s generally those with the healthiest squad that succeed in the big one. That’s a fact that cannot be ignored.
However, as you’ve done, let’s be positive. We have the depth in our squad to cover what are significant losses. It’s a sign of the times for the club.
Let’s get there to cheer them on.
There is little doubt that Mitchell and Corey will be key in keeping team heading in the right direction. I also think Bevan appears to be over his post injury tentativeness but he really needs to charge back with the kick returns rather than hopping and skipping into the line.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the “other” King lift too. I have been super impressed with Kingy since he made his debut so I expect to see a bit more skirting out of dummy half and I am going to predict a 40/20 from dummy half against the Broncos this Friday night.
Isn’t it good to have such depth and strength in the spine. We’re down two dummy halves and a Dally M contender fullback, yet we will still field quality players in those positions.
Thanks Sixties, enjoyed the post, was very informative. I guess Friday’s game will be the litmus test for us.
Funnily enough Ray, I also regarded the Tigers match as a challenge, but for different reasons. I am always concerned coming off the bye and I had hoped that the players didn’t see the game as a big points differential opportunity. Of course, we got ourselves into trouble against the Tigers by trying to score off too many plays. We got ourselves out of trouble by scrapping for the win.
The Broncos will test whether we can match it with an acknowledged contender.
Thanks for writing this. Exactly how I see it too, hopeful G Jennings gets a run for the combo with His brother and also because he seems a different shape and style to auvaa and Hoffman. Both of whom have plusses and minuses.
Chance of Pritchard or terepo replacing a forward? Who misses out?
Thanks Sam. We’ve seen the big boppers named in the 21. That means there’s a chance.
Thanks sixties. Well articulated.
As devastated and sad as we may be with Gutho’s injury, the team can follow Brad’s lead when he asked on BSB “if Gutho being out would derail the team” (my paraphrasing) and he said “no”. Brad said a big part of where the team is has come from Gutho but his reply on BSB shows he is really challenging the team now. The team now has a mighty chance to answer that challenge. Brad believes in them. This is still a most exciting time for the fans so let’s pack ANZ on Friday night with as many as possible.
Manginina, the important thing is that the players believe in themselves. Agreed, we need to pack ANZ.
Hi Sixities – your summary makes the challenge of replacing Gutherson clear, there are a number of “Intangible” aspects that his team mates will have to cover.
Any thoughts on who (Davis, G Jennings, Auva) is better in the air?
With Hoffman being named, I’m not sure whether this is a moot point. Davis has significant height advantage, but I’m not sure that it translates to talent under the high ball. Then again, Davis and G Jennings have limited NRL experience. Auva’a has primarily played centre but I have watched him do plenty of work under the high ball, and indeed grubber kicks at training.
A great read Sixties.
It’s this time of year that depth gets tested. It’s great to see we’ve got options that don’t include seeking approval from the NRL to Mrs with the cap restrictions.
I’m gutted that Gutho is gone but the recruitment team need to be credited with their astute purchases such that we’re still wondering who will fill the gaps.
Agreed about our recruitment Trouser. We’ve come a long way.
What a great read, thank you.
So disappointed for Gutho and I am confident he will get and has the right support around him. My son Jack cried yesterday when he heard about Gutho on the radio as I was driving him to school. It was heartbreaking seeing him so upset. But when I showed him last night the messages from fans and players towards Gutho he smiled and knows Gutho, his favourite player, will be back and okay. The love from fans and the players towards Gutho has made me a very proud Parra supporter. Gutho is a person first and footy player a distant second. As long as he is okay that is all that truely matters.
I really like what was said in the write up about Bevan being himself. He has a different skill set to Gutho and he can shine, just in a different way. BA will get the best out of him , Bevan will do what the team needs as he has shown in the recent past and the coaches will tinker with those things needed to make the best out of this situation. Remember he was our first choice for fullback at the start of the year. I remember the first Saints game, he is more than simply a stop gap replacement. He will be fine. This team is led by a resilient coach and the team embodies all he is.
Last year we lost Foran and we were all in despair no organising half – BA solved it Norman took over and showed skill we as fans had not seen before from him. Peats left and again despair, Degoise took over. Norman got suspended, no 5/8th Gutho stepped up.
We could also go through this year, Kenny and Taka at 5/8th, Manu in centres, Gutho 5/8th, fullback, wing, centre everywhere. Jennings left- right centre to help Bevan who went back to the wing. Brown lock, prop and even hooker when we need him. Tepai left, right and in the middle with the big boys, no problem do it. Kaysa out, devastating yes but Cameron King in. The team always keeps going. They are resilient and as a fan I love seeing this quality in my team.
Point being , the boys have and will step up. They have in the past, they don’t throw the towel in, so as disappointed as we are for Gutho we need to get on with it, support Gutho 100% but see this as a chance to improve and for other people to shine. After all without Norman being suspended last year maybe Gutho does not get the chance to shine in at 5/8th become ‘ the king’ , grow in skill and leadership and win the hearts and minds of all Parra and rugby league fans. His injury is devestating because we have come to love his attitude and appreciate his skill. Norman , Taka and Jennings in particular need to be strong and vocal and be supportive of Bevan and Moses now has the chance to step up further and shine even more brightly. I know they will give it all they have to do this and that is all I ask of them.
To our fans please let Bevan be himself, he is not Gutho sure but he is brilliant and offers different opportunities, it is up to our coaches and playmakers to utilise this and I am sure they will.
I was not going up to the game on Friday as it is a 5 hour round trip from the Sth Coast for my family. After sunday I thought it was a bit much for 2 trips in a week but my son has begged and said we have to support the team and players. My son is very persuasive so we will be there cheering, offering no excuses and expecting them to shine and give all they have. If they do that and the Broncos win, well so be it. I actually think we are a good chance, Broncos are good but we play well as underdogs and the Broncos are nowhere near as imposing across the park as they have been in the past. Win or loose as long as they give it a real crack, and hold the ball better then the Tigers game, I will be proud and look forward to the next week against the bulldogs.
As a side note my family will all be madly cheering for the Dogs against the Panthers for the first time ever. I can’t believe it but these are the desperate things we do as fans.
Lastly if the Cowboys can win without Thurston, we can win without our brilliant, talent and oh so loveable Gutho. Why not?
Shelley, I regularly look forward to your responses. I reckon you’d make a great TCT author!
I’d like to emphasise two points that you make.
1. Let Bevan be himself.
2. Getting behind the team this Friday. (It will be the topic of this week’s feedback)
Some v interesting points Sixites; i would have Hoff or Aua’va at this stage; and know Brisbane have tall wingers and use the kick at times well. I think parra need to go after their halves tbh; they can be on and off at times. We really need to play the game defensively between the 20 m zones and of course limit the penalties. Not sure who is the ref as if yet and pls do not let it be Perenara or Klein.
I can tell you now that Brisbane will win the penalties; and we have to determine where they get the ball; if we do not do this we will be in strife and cannot allow them to have second phase plays going too often. We must play the game in the forwards first and dominate……and then use the ball wisely.
Footy can be a simple game, and you raise an important point.
We have to determine where they’ll get the ball. Obviously we have had little say when it comes to some of the officiating and the possession flow determined by the refs. However, we do have a strong say in how we finish our sets and this is paramount in every game, let alone the Broncos.
Yes we do need to finish the sets strongly; and kick to the seagulls as Jack used to say…
Vave and co need to dominate; and we cannot get into the touch footy type match