Even French sees Gutherson as Eels No.1

Jun 19, 2017 - 7:02 AM Clinton Gutherson's form for Parramatta has been so dominant that even Bevan French saw his shift to fullback as a common-sense move.

French, 21, has made no secret of the fact fullback is his preferred position, after he claimed the No.1 jersey at the end of last season.

However he was shifted to the wing for the Eels' 24-10 win over St George Illawarra on Sunday, in order to allow Gutherson to revert to fullback.

The move worked a treat, with Gutherson scoring twice from the back and French once on the edge in the convincing win.

Gutherson, 22, has been the Eels' best player by far this season while filling in at fullback, centre and five-eighth.

According to Fox Sports Stats, he leads Parramatta for tries (9), linebreaks (14), line-break assists (7), tackles busts (37), one-on-one tackles (28), and is second for try assists (6).

Eventually, Brad Arthur decided he had to get his hands on the ball more.

"I have to take my hat off to Gutho," French said.

"I went down injured a few weeks ago and he slotted in there, he's been outstanding wherever he plays.

"He's killing it."

Arthur was coy on whether the shift was a permanent one on Sunday, highlighting Gutherson's versatility as a sign that French could return to fullback as soon as winger Josh Hoffman returns.

And French said he would use the shift as motivation to try to win back his coveted No.1 jersey this season.

"If not this year, then next year," he said.

"I've still got a few more pre-seasons (to come). I think I'll be better strength-wise, hopefully get a bit bigger.

"I don't really see it as a demotion but hopefully in the future, in the next couple of years I'll be back at fullback."

His determination was on show immediately for Parramatta on Sunday in defence.

Criticised for his tackling ability on the wing last year, French regularly pressured the Dragons attackers and produced a vital try-saving intercept in the first half.

He admitted to being exhausted at times with the added workload, but hoped the move would be a blessing in disguise to improve his fitness to be a better No.1.

"It's a big thing I need to work on if I want to be fullback," French said.

"I need to be fit and Gutho pops up everywhere, he's very fit. When there's a line break he's there and that's why he's scoring so many tries at the moment.

"It's going to be good for my game."

Source: AAP