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

NRL icon Andrew Johns has admitted he was ‘stunned’ when he heard the Parramatta Eels were chasing a ‘breakthrough’ player and would potentially move captain Clint Gutherson out of the fullback position.

It was revealed last week that the Eels are looking for an ‘x-factor’ player to spice up their back-line, in a bid to end their 37-year premiership drought.

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

Johns is not at all interested in the move, wondering if the eels have “gone crazy”.

‘He is [Gutherson] the heart and soul of the team, and has been the most consistent player virtually since he was at Parramatta,” Johns wrote in his Herald column.

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

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

‘I only have one question: where is this X factor going to come from? Are there any available that you would consider trading Gutherson for?

Gutherson, who has played original football in centers, could potentially switch to a roaming role to give the Eels more firepower on the right side of the pitch. However, Johns is not interested in the move.

“But if it were Parramatta, I wouldn’t weaken one position to fill another and I’m not sure Gutherson in centers is the right one for Brad Arthur,” Johns argued.

“I know Jayden Campbell has been talked about a bit and he’s a good player, but he’s nowhere near Gutherson right now.”

Gutherson, who has played original football in centers, could potentially switch to a roaming role to give the Eels more firepower on the right side of the pitch.

There has been speculation that the Eels have too much cap space to attract a top quality player this season.

There has been speculation that the Eels have too much salary cap space to attract a top quality player this season.

The Eels had a bumpy start to the season, losing three at the trot, but got back on track with a thrilling gold points win over Penrith last Thursday night.

The team will be full of confidence and will head to the Allianz Stadium on Thursday night to play the Roosters.

Johns believes the Eels may find the competition difficult without one of their star players.

‘But I see a big problem for them against the Gallos, there is no Junior Paulo due to suspension on Thursday night. It’s a big out. He creates fast ballgames and gives them a lot of variety with that late download.

“It just puts extra pressure on Arthur and how he handles his trade.”