In brief:
Josh Mansour does not consider Eels skipper Clint Gutherson ought to instantly quit his fullback spot to Blaize Talagi.
Mansour urged the hype surrounding the 19-year-old Talagi is “out of this world”.
What’s subsequent?
The Eels must determine the best way to match Talagi, Gutherson and star signing Zac Lomax in the identical aspect in 2025.
NRL nice Josh Mansour has hosed down strategies Parramatta Eels captain Clint Gutherson ought to robotically cede his fullback spot to younger gun Blaize Talagi.
Gutherson has indicated he’s prepared to do no matter it takes — together with enjoying out of his most well-liked place — to make sure the Eels retain the 19-year-old Talagi, who is ready to be squeezed out of his standard centre spot for the incoming Zac Lomax.
Whereas lauding the 29-year-old’s gesture, Mansour mentioned it’s one he shouldn’t be required to make.
“He (Talagi) has not even plied his commerce in NSW Cup, has proven no expertise within the high degree, and hasn’t performed constant soccer within the high degree,” Mansour advised the ABC NRL Each day podcast.
“Clint Gutherson is, for me, the very best fullback at Parramatta Eels in the intervening time.
“Clint Gutherson is a selfless character, a selfless teammate, the work fee he does for his teammates, he is proves it week in, week out.
“He is considered one of their greatest gamers. If he is not enjoying, you’ll be able to see the impact it has on the Parramatta Eels.
“What place even is Blaize Talagi? Is he a centre, is he a winger, is he a fullback? What Blaize must do, what Parramatta Eels must implement with Blaize is (to) let him develop as a participant in reserve grade.”
Talagi has made a wonderful begin to his profession, scoring 9 tries in 13 first-grade appearances for Parramatta this season, however Mansour cautioned these showering an excessive amount of reward on the teen too early.
“Sure, (Blaize) is a star of the longer term, I agree. He is confirmed that within the decrease grades. However relating to first grade, he hasn’t stepped as much as the problem, he is nonetheless uncooked,” he mentioned.
“I really feel like (Blaize’s) identify’s getting thrown round so much when it should not be. The hype is out of this world.”
Mansour in contrast the state of affairs Gutherson is going through to his personal last days at Penrith, the place he was compelled out of his standard place.
“It may be a really onerous resolution,” he mentioned.
“Do you look to the longer term and throw every little thing at Blaize? Or do you inform Guth, ‘Gutho, sorry mate, pay attention, however we’re opting to look sooner or later, we’ll go along with Blaize as our primary’.
“It occurred to me in my profession. I bear in mind my final 12 months at Penrith, after the Grand Remaining, I obtained advised by Ivan and Matt Cameron, ‘we’ll decide to go along with Charlie Staines subsequent 12 months on the left flank.’
“It damage like hell, and it was without warning, it was a really sensitive time, after the Grand Remaining.
“Once more, it isn’t a straightforward dialogue.”
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