http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...e/news-story/4e455a256d6d39511328decdd26b2942
Nathan Hindmarsh says Parramatta Eels need a plan to improve Mitchell Moses’ defence
CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSI, The Daily Telegraph
June 13, 2017 7:18pm
PARRAMATTA’S big-money mid-season recruit Mitchell Moses should be given time to work on his defence, with Clint Gutherson a ready-made halves option in the mean time.
That is the opinion of Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh who like every club supporter has become concerned about Moses quickly living up to his reputation as a blue and gold speedhump.
Moses has missed a whopping 13 tackles the past fortnight, with five of those leading directly to tries.
He can expect plenty of traffic from in-form St George Illawarra backrower Joel Thompson on Sunday afternoon at ANZ Stadium.
Hindmarsh said Moses was a wonderful addition for Parramatta, but his defence was one area that could no longer be ignored.
While Hindmarsh said Moses will be the long-term No. 7, giving him time to work on his defence was not the end of the world given Gutherson had already proven himself to be a solid alternative alongside Corey Norman.
Apart from Moses defence, the big talking point among Eels fans is how best to use Gutherson, who was named again in the centres against the Dragons.
“Mitch is new to the club, it will take time for him to fit in, and for me, his defence needs work, but I think everyone can see that he needs work,’’ Hindmarsh told The Daily Telegraph.
“His contact is there, just some of his decisions in defence are a bit ‘how you going’.
“Other sides are really targeting him and see him as a weakness.
“It’s nothing personal. It’s always been a trait of the halves to not many too many tackles.
“As an outsider looking in, if Mitch is given that time to work on his defence, at least you have Gutho there to play in the halves.
“Gutho came to the club as a winger and fullback and centre, and when he was asked to play in the halves, I heard a lot about his potential playing there, and everyone has seen what he’s done while there.
“He adds another dimension to the team and works well with Normy.’’
Moses was granted a release from the Wests Tigers to immediately link with the Eels a month ago, and there are high hopes for him and Norman to finally become the long-term halves combination.
Arthur has a huge opinion of the former Parramatta Harold Matthews playmaker.
While Moses, 22, has untapped raw ability and a strong kicking game, his defence also drew criticism when he was at the Tigers.
The Warriors had plenty of joy targeting his side of the field a fortnight ago, as did the Cowboys in Darwin on the weekend.
Hindmarsh added there was also the option of playing Gutherson at fullback and moving the in-form Bevan French to one wing.
