Trent Barrett shuts down 'disrespectful' Clint Gutherson calls amid growing Blaize Talagi dilemma
The Eels coach isn't happy with the growing calls to move the captain.
Parramatta coach Trent Barrett has fired back at the 'disrespect' show to Clint Gutherson as calls have grown for youngster Blaize Talagi to be given the No.1 jersey among reports he could leave the club. The Eels will welcome a new coach next year with Jason Ryles taking over the reins of the struggling club.
Ryles is expected to make drastic changes to the Eels' squad, but one of the biggest battles he faces before he officially arrives is retaining exciting NRL youngster Talagi. The young back's future is up-in-the-air for next year, but he could still stay at the Eels if he is convinced the team can turn around their fortune.
Many people feel Talagi should be handed the No.1 jersey, which could also entice him to stay next year. However, this would mean moving captain and long-time fullback Clint Gutherson to another position in the backline.
Gutherson admitted earlier this year he would move positions if it meant it would benefit the team. However, Barrett has moved to quell any speculation Talagi would be making the move to fullback having blasted the calls as 'disrespectful' to veteran Gutherson.
“Gutho will be the fullback for the rest of the year,” Barrett said ahead of the Eels' clash against the Storm on Friday. "... There’s been a lot of talk about Blaize, but Blaize is a young player that we need to look after. He’s got a big future, but where his best position is, down the track that’s not my call.
“This year, I see him as a centre. I probably see him more as a five-eighth and a centre than a fullback. Gutho has been a great player for this club for a long time, so some of it I’ve found a little bit disrespectful with the commentary around him.
"He’s our captain and he’s the heart and soul of the joint and we love him. Those conversations and hearing all that stuff can’t be easy for him. He’s been here a long time and I think he deserves some respect.”
Talagi will line-up at centre this weekend against the NRL leaders with the Eels sitting in 16th position. The Storm will be looking to follow up their impressive performance against the Roosters last week.
Barrett's call comes as Eels fans are worried Talagi could be off to the Panthers next year after unconfirmed reports his agent met with Ivan Cleary. Regardless, Gutherson has led by example when offering to move positions if it meant retaining Talagi in 2025.
Clint Gutherson full of praise for youngster Blaize Talagi
Talagi filled in at fullback for a few games this year when Gutherson was out injured and impressed. Incoming back Zac Lomax is set to take one of the centre positions next year for the Eels. And earlier this year, Gutherson said he would be willing to give up his fullback spot to convince the teen star to stay.
"Everyone is on notice now, which is exciting as well, but we're going to have to sort of have a big change going into pre-season, and I'm sure a lot will change," Gutherson said. "I couldn't care less (where I play), I've said it my whole career.
"I just love playing, whether it's off the bench, on the wing, anywhere. I just love playing footy, and from the get-go, I've always said I'll move if the coach thinks it's right. That's another thing for the new staff to come in and sort of make a decision on. There are a lot of older boys there who might get a tap on the shoulder, might not, it's just the way it is, and you have to deal with it. I'm no different to every other player here - if they want me to move position, I'm more than happy to."
