Bevan French has declared himself ready to keep Parramatta's premiership push going after a season-ending injury to fullback Clint Gutherson.
The Eels on Monday confirmed Gutherson ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in Sunday's win over the Wests Tigers, ruling him out for the year.
The 22-year-old will miss what is set to be the club's first finals series since 2009.
Parramatta sit seventh on the ladder with six matches remaining.
The news is a major blow to their chances of a title shot, with French describing Gutherson as the in-form player in the competition this season.
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"And I think the rest of the team agrees with me," French said after the win.
"We pick up on the little things that most people that watch the footy don't really pick up on but I'll back my comment there.
"He's up there with the most in-form players at the moment in the comp. If it is a bad outcome, it opens up a door for me (but) it is disappointing."
French started the season as the No.1 and is still considered the team's future fullback, but said Gutherson's form made it irresistible for him to be moved.
"You need in-form players in your team with their hands on the ball the most. At fullback he got his hands on the ball a bit more and he's been killing it," he said.
"The past few games he's been back-to-back, earning team rewards. He's been getting that reward the past few weeks ever since he's been moved to fullback."
Gutherson ruptured the same ligament that ruled him out of his final year at Manly in 2015, however Arthur backed him to come back healthy.
"This is disappointing news for Clint and the team as he has been a strong contributor so far this season," Eels coach Brad Arthur said.
"I am sure he will be back stronger then ever next season. Despite this setback the team is more determined than ever to make a strong finish to the season."
With Josh Hoffman still at least a week away with his own knee issue, Kirisome Auva'a is expected to play on the wing for Friday's NRL clash against Brisbane.
Gutherson played 18 of his 46 NRL games this season, playing predominantly five-eighth and fullback.
