gutherson supports Eels’ last-ditch effort as stars come back
Despite a dismal start to the season that resulted in the dismissal of coach Brad Arthur, Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson has stated that his team can play football in the finals in 2024.
The Eels, who are presently ranked 15th, had a setback a week ago when Arthur left the team following a defeat to South Sydney, who is in last position.
But in Thursday night’s match against an undermanned Cronulla, Gutherson is hoping to make his way back from a knee injury. He also hopes to have halfback Mitchell Moses playing for the first time since Round 3.
With several games still to win, the Eels are now six points outside of the eight, but Gutherson believes it’s too soon to write off his team’s prospects of making the finals.
“We just need our strongest team out there,” he stated. “Mitch and I lost each other four weeks ago. The club is in a strong position when players play consistent football with integrity.
“We have complete faith. Although last week was a letdown, our goal is to compete and win football games. This week, that is what we must return to.”
If they finish Wednesday’s captain’s run, Gutherson and Moses should be picked when teams are revealed on Tuesday. They should line up together on Thursday.
Officials have started planning for 2025 as they attempt to choose a new head coach, while players are concentrated on improving their performance in the second half of this season.
Many individuals have been mentioned, including Josh Hannay and Paul McGregor, who have expressed interest in the position in public. A new head is anticipated to be confirmed in the upcoming months, therefore it is doubtful that the process would go on.
With the quality in the roster right now, the Eels’ management have made no secret of their desire to find a coach who can start seeing results right away.
However, there is a lot of ambiguity over the composition of the playing group after 2025.
The only three players with contracts that extend past 2026 are Moses, Junior Paulo, and the newly signed Zac Lomax. A few other players have options with their clubs or as players during that time.
Gutherson acknowledged that the incoming coach will probably shape the team to suit his requirements, but he added that if the players have a strong season finale, it will make his decision simpler.
“It’s up to what the board and the higher ups want to do with the team and the coach coming forward,” he stated.
It’s just one of those things that we have no control over. It falls into place if you’re winning and playing quality football. Right now, all we need to do is return to playing winning football.”
Speaking for the first time since Arthur’s departure, Gutherson and Arthur had developed a strong friendship ever since the coach signed the fullback to the Eels in 2016.
Although the fullback expressed disappointment that Arthur’s dismissal was caused by the players’ on-field actions, he supported the coach in his pursuit of a speedy NRL position.
“Any club that is looking for someone or wants to go down the path of a new head coach, I think Brad would come straight to mind,” Gutherson stated. “He has demonstrated his work over the past ten years here.
“When he first came here, we weren’t doing so well. However, we had some fantastic seasons, and the players and everyone around him admired his work ethic and style of operation.
“We ultimately let him down. Although it is disappointing, we must move past it. Trent Barrett, our interim coach, is going to do a fantastic job leading us. We need to start doing well on the field and winning.”
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