Parramatta Eels interim boss Trent Barrett believes Blaize Talagi would be better suited to five-eighth or centre – not fullback.

Current skipper and fullback Clint Gutherson has come under fire from some quarters with reports suggesting incoming coach Jason Ryles would move Gutherson to the centres to accommodate the young Talagi.

“There’s more to playing fullback than just what you do with the football,” Barrett said.

“That position is probably one of the hardest to play in the modern game.

“You have a hell of a lot of responsibility with the ball.. you play like a second five-eighth but defensively is where it’s at.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Blaize.

“He’s a young player that we need to look after – he has a big future but where his best position is – down the track that’s not my call.

“But this I probably see him more as a five-eighth or centre than a fullback to be honest.”

The Eels currently sit one win ahead of last placed Wests Tigers.