Clint Gutherson has been an absolute champion for Parramatta for the best part of the last decade.
But how long can the skipper stay playing fullback with so many turbo-charged young guns across the game looking for an opportunity to wear the No 1 jumper on a permanent basis?
Think of names playing back-up at other clubs including Melbourne’s Sua Faalogo, Manly’s Lehi Hopoate, Dolphins’ Trai Fuller, Titans’ Keano Kini and Newcastle’s Fletcher Sharpe just for starters.
No wonder the Parramatta Eels are keen to get Jason Ryles on board immediately to start planning for next year.
With talk the Storm will release Ryles after the Origin decider, he is not expected to come in and take straight over from interim coach Trent Barrett.
But the biggest job at the Eels right now is addressing the roster.
That’s now 10 losses in their last 11 games after another diabolical start against the Titans.
And no one can dispute Parra just look old, tired and slow across the park.
It’s almost unbelievable this team played in a grand final less than two years ago.
You get the feeling a huge cleanout is coming with some big names potentially on the chopping block.
This is where Gutherson’s future will come under the microscope.
Gutherson, 29, still has a year to run on his $950,000 contract.
I’m not suggesting for a second the skipper doesn’t have a future at Parramatta because he’s still an inspiration in so many ways.
And there is no doubt the Eels underperforming forward pack has been the team’s biggest problem this year.
But you also can’t ignore the Eels need an injection of speed in their backline.
It’s just as obvious Gutherson doesn’t have the pace he once had to keep up with the lightning-fast fullbacks who dominate today after a series of knee surgeries.
Yes, Gutho works tirelessly and can come up with some crucial plays defensively and in attack.
But Ryles also works with the likes of Ryan Papenhuyzen and young Faalogo at the Storm who are genuine flying machines. While we saw the damage done by the Titans speed men on the weekend.
There’s been talk for some time Gutherson will eventually push into the centres.
Rookie Blaize Talagi’s has been thrown up as one option, yet he played most of his juniors in the halves or centre.
But there is just so much electric talent on the rise looking for an opportunity.
We all know how easily contracts can be broken in today’s game when a better offer comes along.
TURBO TURNS ON A CLINIC WHILE ANOTHER HOPOATE COMES OF AGE
Speaking of teenage freaks.
How about the performance from young Lehi Hopoate in the Sea Eagles’ thumping 44-6 win over the Knights.
This 19-year-old brings back memories of big brother Will playing on the flank in his early years at Manly.
If anything, Lehi looks an even better talent.
That’s taking nothing away from Will who debuted for NSW in Origin as a 19-year-old before heading off on his Morman mission.
It’s a good thing the Sea Eagles have this Hopoate tied down for at least the next two years.
On the Turbo front, there was no better sight over the weekend than seeing Tom Trbojevic blast back to form.
A week ago in his return from injury Trbojevic looked absolutely gassed playing in the centres.
But after moving back to his preferred position following a knee injury to Tolu Koula, Trbojevic turned on an absolute clinic.
He has not looked that free and confident for years.
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