Clint Gutherson granted permission by Parramatta Eels to test open market, Dragons loom as potential destination

It took a few hours over a breakfast between Eels power-brokers and Clint Gutherson for the decision to be made that the club captain could test the open market. Here’s what it means the star and the club going forward.

Clint Gutherson. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Clint Gutherson has hit the open market three weeks ahead of schedule after Parramatta granted their captain permission to explore his options at rival clubs, setting off a potential scramble for his signature that is likely to be led by St George Illawarra.

Gutherson and his manager Sam Ayoub sat down on Thursday morning for a Lebanese breakfast at a restaurant in Sydney’s inner-west with Eels power-brokers, but they were looking for a more than a nutritious meal and some coffee.

At the top of their list was some further clarity over Gutherson’s immediate future. Over a breakfast of bacon, fried eggs, olives and Lebanese yoghurt, they talked about football, they discussed the role Gutherson would play next year under new Eels coach Jason Ryles, and they exchanged views on how the next few weeks may play out as Gutherson prepares to hit the open market.

Parramatta aren’t ready to offer Gutherson a new deal yet - he has 12 months remaining on his contract - but other clubs are.

The Dragons are believed to be the most interested but they won’t be the only club keen to chat given Gutherson remains one of the most reliable and tireless fullbacks in the game.

Within a few hours of their breakfast meeting coming to an end, the Eels had agreed to grant Gutherson permission to test the market early. The request had been made prior to the meeting but Thursday’s talks helped put both parties at ease.

Clint Gutherson has been given permission to test the open market. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Gutherson would have been free to explore his options at the start of November but the Eels, out of respect to their captain and the role he has played at the club over a long period, gave him and Ayoub permission to take a look now.

Effectively, he has been given a three week head start on the proviso that he comes back to Parramatta and gives them last right of reply.

Ryles isn’t ready to hand Gutherson an extension just yet, but he and the club aren’t ruling it out. They want more time.

Gutherson, like any footballer, wants some certainty in his life. He recently turned 30 and his next contract may be the final big one of his career.

“I think they have been really good through this process,” Ayoub said.

“We had a good general chat about football, about his future, about his potential role next year. At the end of this they have come back and given us the option to look at things on the basis that we come back to them.

“I understand that Jason Ryles is a new coach and he wants to see how people are going and see the make-up of the squad for next year.”

“They have shown him (Gutherson) a bit of respect (by allowing him to look early).”

The arrival of Penrith youngster Isaiah Iongi means that Gutherson’s days as a fullback at Parramatta are numbered.

Ryles had already made that clear in his conversations with Gutherson, suggesting a roaming role that could see the NSW State of Origin player slot in a variety of roles.

Gutherson, at least publicly, hasn’t indicated that he is opposed to the switch but it may not be the only significant change involving Gutherson.

The captaincy is also likely to be up for grabs when the preseason begins and Ryles has already spoken about his strong relationship with Mitchell Moses, the Eels best and highest-paid player who is pivotal to their chances of challenging for another premiership.

If a captaincy change is to be made, Moses would be at the front of the queue. The other challenge for Ryles and the Eels will be if Gutherson fields big offers from rival clubs for 2026 with the understanding that the door will also be open for 2025.

It’s likely that any club chasing Gutherson would be more willing to offer a long-term extension if he can secure an immediate release. Again, the Dragons would no doubt love to secure Gutherson for next season given Tyrell Sloan is yet to convince at fullback and the club would only benefit from lashings of his leadership and work ethic.

Parramatta are yet to consider whether they would allow Gutherson to depart immediately, although it has no doubt crossed their mind given they gave him the green light to head to market.

They would be reluctant to lose his competitiveness and leadership, but Ryles has made it clear that he is reshaping his squad and Gutherson’s departure would free up nearly $1 million of salary cap space to make some moves if a player that fits the bill becomes available.

Late yesterday, Ayoub was sanguine about the situation. Last time he and Gutherson were locked in contract talks with the club, things got messy. There was plenty of finger-pointing. This time at least, they appear on the same page.