Interim Parramatta coach Trent Barrett has flagged significant changes, but stopped short of revealing who his fullback will be for the remainder of the NRL season.
Barrett has taken the reins after the Eels sacked Brad Arthur on Monday.
The former Sea Eagles and Bulldogs head coach hasn’t had much time to shake things up just yet, but confirmed he will explore options in the hope of sparking the flailing team back to life.
“We may do some things differently over the course of the next few months, but this wasn’t the week to do it,” Barrett told media on Friday.
The Eels have won just three of 10 games this season and have struggled to perform in the absence of halfback Mitchell Moses.
One of the biggest conundrums facing Barrett will be who wears the No.1 jumper once captain Clint Gutherson returns.
Gutherson has been sidelined for a month following knee surgery, and his absence has allowed young gun Blaize Talagi to push his claims on the position.
While Talagi is only a few games into his NRL career the club faces a battle to retain him, after his agent Isaac Moses reportedly shopped him to rivals recently.
Gutherson, 29, is contracted for next season on a deal worth about $950,000 a season.
While both players are capable of filling various roles, it’s the No.1 jumper that seems coveted.
The Eels will also be concerned Talagi may walk away if not given the job full-time.
“We’ll cross that bridge when it comes, but Blaize has done a terrific job,” Barrett said.
“He’s a good young player and we would certainly like to see him here long-term.
“He’s a local junior and a great kid, and Gutho is our captain. Moving forward you would like to see us be able to fit both in the team, and we definitely will.
“We will be a better team with both of them there but that’s not for me to worry about today.”
Barrett wouldn’t confirm whether he is interested in being head coach on a permanent basis.
His record at Manly and Canterbury isn’t flattering, and he faces competition from the likes of Jason Ryles, Paul McGregor, and possibly Michael Maguire.
“I haven’t even thought about it to be honest. We’ve had a busy week and the main focus of mine is to make sure they’re prepared and that we play well,” he said.
“Things take care of themselves, ultimately, but I haven’t thought about that yet.
“I’ve certainly learned a lot in the last 18 months since I’ve been here. There’s bits and pieces that you pick up, and things I’d certainly do different again.
“I’m excited about the challenge over the rest of the year.”
The Eels take on cellar dwellers South Sydney on Saturday night.
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