Why the Parramatta Eels’ treatment of captain Clint Gutherson is disrespectful and outrageous

Clint Gutherson is a Parramatta club legend that is being treated like some D-grade wannabe. He isn’t just a player – he’s a leader and inspiration who deserves better than a club that’s slowly eroding his status, writes DEAN RITCHIE.

I don’t think it’s possible for Parramatta to be any more disrespectful to Clint Gutherson.

Here is a club legend being treated like some D-grade wannabe. The public humiliation of Gutherson by Parramatta is outrageous.

I’m not sure what kind of a coach Jason Ryles wants to be but he might need to convey more regard and deference to senior players.

Gutherson is looking at copping four knockout blows – told he can look for a new club, told it’s unlikely he will be re-signed, told he won’t be playing his favoured fullback and probably told he is no longer captain.

This for a player who has played more than 200 NRL games for Parramatta and been the club’s heart and soul for nearly a decade.

If Parramatta doesn’t want Gutherson then tell him rather than slowly eroding his status at the club. He deserves so much better. This bloke isn’t just a player – he’s a leader and inspiration.

Clint Gutherson has been told he’s free to talk to rival clubs. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Should he secure a new deal at a rival club, Gutherson should request an immediate release for 2025. Why remain at a club that treats him with such disdain?

Even if Gutherson doesn’t find a new club, does he really want to go back to Parramatta? How could he walk through the gates at training ready to give his all for a club that’s treated him so shabbily?

New Eels coach Jason Ryles. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Ryles wants to re-work his roster like all new coaches but some players deserve more than just being told, essentially, to bugger off.

Father Time catches up with all players and maybe Gutherson doesn’t possess the speed to remain at fullback.

But pushing him into some manufactured, utility position is a low blow for a player Parramatta fans adore for his perseverance, courage and reliability.

Just last week, after a season of disappointment, Gutherson still claimed three individual awards at Parramatta’s presentation night – members’ player of the year, players’ player and coaches’ award.

The players’ player award shows how highly Gutherson is held within the playing roster.

Blind Freddy can see Parramatta want Gutherson out of the club. I know rugby league is cutthroat but surely there are more compassionate and sympathetic methods to avoid public humiliation for a club champion.

Clinton Gutherson has been at Parramatta since 2016. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

I couldn’t imagine this happening at the Sydney Roosters or Melbourne Storm? Look how the Roosters carefully managed Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Luke Keary out of the club. It’s called respect.

Gutherson, officially off-contract after next season, is only 30 and would be a wonderful fit at St George Illawarra. Coach Shane Flanagan will only need to show Gutherson some love to get his man.

When asked about Gutherson just last year, Broncos superstar Reece Walsh said: “I try to study (and) watch ‘Gutho’ as much as I can. He’s one of the best defensive fullbacks in the comp.

“If you watch him, he’s always on his bike, working his butt for the team and he’s saving more tries than some teams are scoring. He’s someone that I try to watch as much as I can.”

The Dragons are touted as a potential suitor for Clint Gutherson if he leaves the Eels. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

And last month, Phil Gould said he would be “shocked” if Gutherson left Parramatta.

“He’s a leader, he’s competitive – I can’t understand why Parramatta wouldn’t want him,” Gould said.

“If I was going to Parramatta as a new coach, he’d be the first bloke I’d sit down and talk to, to find out what’s happening there, what’s going on, and where they need to go. It would be hard to imagine Parramatta without him.”

Even Parramatta’s website offers rare accolades to Gutherson.

It reads: “Known for his competitiveness and his unparalleled effort and desire, there is a strong correlation to why Gutherson is a Parramatta Eels favourite and fondly known as ‘The King’ by fans.”

It appears the King is dead at Parramatta, long live the King.