Concerns have been raised about how Clint Gutherson is going to react to the big changes Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has flagged for next season in the NRL. The new Eels coach spoke to media on Tuesday for the first time since taking over the top job and made the shock admission that he's planning a positional switch for Gutherson next season - with Ryles considering the veteran No.1 at lock, hooker and possibly even as an interchange player. Ryles will oversee a new-look Parramatta side in 2025 with some 11 players departing including former representative prop, Reagan Campbell-Gillard. The Eels have made a number of key signings including Dragons and State of Origin Zac Lomax and young gun fullback Isaiah Iongi, who will join from the Panthers on a three-year deal from next season. But it's the situation around Parramatta's long-time captain Gutherson that has sparked the biggest debate. Ryles says there's no issues with Gutherson after speaking with the club skipper to explain his plan for 2025. “I see him as real good coverage for all positions really on the field, especially all our backs and then at 13, nine and that sort of role there,” Ryles said. “I spoke to Clint first and said, ‘this is the plan and this is what I’m thinking’. I couldn’t have got more buy-in. He was like ‘yep, I am sweet, whatever you see is the best thing for the team, I am happy to help him if you want me to’. I couldn’t speak highly enough of Clint from when I sat down and spoke to him and his buy-in. I think Gutho is at a stage now where he’s got an enormous amount to contribute still to our footy team and footy club. Obviously it could be a fullback or it could be another part of the field for us as well.”
No comments:
Post a Comment