Gould confirms latest injury blow for Parramatta Eels…

Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson is willing to sacrifice his place at fullback if it means incoming Eels coach Jason Ryles can hang on to teenage ace Blaize Talagi.

Ryles was named as Brad Arthur’s long-term replacement on Monday, penning a four-year deal to coach the Eels from the start of next year.

The 45-year-old Ryles, currently an assistant to Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm, faces a bevy of crucial contract calls in his first year as Eels coach.

Several of Parramatta’s top earners, including Gutherson, 30-year-old prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard and five-eighth Dylan Brown, can speak to rival clubs come November 1.

But Talagi, who shunned the chance to take up an extension option with the Eels earlier this year, is the most pressing.

Viewed as a fullback – and a priority retention target for the Eels – Talagi has scored nine tries in 11 games in his debut NRL season.

He has primarily played on the wing and fullback, leaving Gutherson’s grip on the No.1 jersey in doubt.

“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.