The pain of Michael Gordon's likely departure from Parramatta at season's end is being tempered by the Eels' generation next.
Gordon, 32, is widely expected to join the Sydney Roosters for the 2017 NRL season after just one season with the Eels.
The former Penrith and Cronulla flyer could even leave the Eels mid-season, according to some reports, but coach Brad Arthur doesn't appear too concerned.
"It's a loss when you lose any player," Arthur said.
"Flash always knew it was going to be a one-year deal. He's proven to be a handy acquisition for us.
"There was an opportunity to keep him for next year but there's better opportunities for him at the Roosters so good luck to him."
Arthur says young guns Clint Gutherson and Bevan French are the contenders to succeed Gordon at fullback when he does leave the Eels.
Gutherson has been an ever-present for the Eels following his off-season move from Manly.
French first caught the eye during the Eels' successful Auckland Nines campaign, scoring eight tries in that tournament and earning a spot in the team of the event.
He then had a try-scoring NRL debut in narrow 20-18 win over Newcastle in round 12.
"We don't want to block their pathways and both of them want to play fullback at some stage," Arthur said.
"Flash has done a really good job for us and he'll continue to do a good job for us while he's here."
