Eels put full faith in Smith at No. 1
JARRYD Hayne’s old No. 1 jersey at Parramatta is proving just as frustrating to fill as Peter Sterling’s famous No. 7.
Since The Hayne Plane departed the Eels at the end of the 2014 season, the Eels have burned through eight different fullbacks, including three this season with Will Smith taking over from the injured Clint Gutherson and Bevan French.
Only Newcastle have churned through more fullbacks during the same period.
The Eels turned over more than 35 halfbacks in 30 years but look to have to finally landed on a winner with Mitchell Moses.
The blue and gold army will be hoping Smith can do likewise at fullback.
After knee injuries suffered this season by Gutherson and French, Smith has made the most of his chance in his four games so far, and will again pose a huge threat at the back in Saturday’s semi- final against North Queensland.
Sydney Roosters fullback Michael Gordon played 22 games at No. 1 for the Eels, NSW Waratah Reece Robinson had 14 games, Canterbury’s Will Hopoate six, Corey Norman three, and even Chris Sandow spent one game at the back.
Gutherson, who looked a class act in the No. 1 jersey before rupturing his ACL in Round 20, said Smith had done a wonderful job after he had covered other key positions.
“He’d played fullback before so we always knew he’d stand up; it was just going to take a game or two to get into the full swing of it because of all the running,” Gutherson said.
“He was one of our best against Melbourne ( last Saturday) if not the best on the field.”