Andrew Johns left ‘stunned’ as Parramatta Eels look to shift NRL star Clint Gutherson from fullback

NRL icon Andrew Johns has admitted he was ‘stunned’ when he heard that the Parramatta Eels were chasing a ‘game breaker’ player and would potentially shift skipper Clint Gutherson from the fullback position.

It was revealed last week that the Eels are looking for an ‘x-factor’ player to give some more life to their backline, in a bid to finish their 37-year premiership drought.

It was reported that club powerbrokers have already sat down with Gutherson, who has been with the club since 2016, to let him know what they are planning.

Johns isn’t at all keen on the move – and wonders if the Eels have ‘gone mad’.

‘He’s [Gutherson] the heart and soul of the team, and he’s been the most consistent player pretty much since he’s been at Parramatta,’ Johns wrote in his Herald column.

It was reported that club powerbrokers have already sat down with Gutherson, who has been with the club since 2016, to let him know what they are planning

‘He scores tries, but look at what he does on the other side of the ball. He saves so many of them.

‘I’ve only got one question: where is this X-factor going to come from? Is there one out there that’s available you would consider shifting Gutherson for?’

Gutherson, who has played Origin football in the centres, could be potentially shifted into a roving role to give the Eels more firepower on the right side of the field. Johns isn’t keen on the move, though.

‘But if I’m Parramatta, I wouldn’t weaken one position to fill another and I’m not sure Gutherson in the centres is the right fit for Brad Arthur,’ argued Johns.

‘I know there’s been some talk of Jayden Campbell and he’s a good player, but he’s nowhere near Gutherson at the moment.’

Gutherson, who has played Origin football in the centres, could be potentially shifted into a roving role to give the Eels more firepower on the right side of the field

It has been speculated that the Eels have plenty of space on their salary cap to attract a top quality player this season

It has been speculated that the Eels have plenty of space on their salary cap to attract a top quality player this season.

The eels had a bumpy start to the season losing three on the trot, but got things back on track with a thrilling golden point win over Penrith last Thursday night.

The side will be full of will be full of confidence heading to Allianz Stadium on Thursday night to play the Roosters. 

Johns believes the Eels might find it a tough contest without one of their star players.

‘But I see one big problem for them against the Roosters, there is no Junior Paulo through suspension on Thursday night. He’s a huge out. He creates quick play-the-balls and gives them a lot of variety with that late offload.

‘It just puts extra pressure on Arthur and how he manages his interchange.’