Clint Gutherson, Tim Mannah on Parramatta Eels contract uncertainty

Tim Mannah and Clint Gutherson have addressed their futures as Parramatta deals with more than half the first grade squad coming off contract this year.

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One has been the heart and soul of Parramatta for more than a decade. The other is the Eels’ current captain and inspiration on and off the field.

But Timmy Mannah and Clint Gutherson have opened up about their uncertain futures, revealing why having more than half the first grade squad coming off contract this year, as well as coach Brad Arthur, is actually bringing the group closer together.

While neither Mannah or Gutherson want to leave, if they are forced to play elsewhere next year, they will.

But the uncertainty won’t pull them apart.

Mannah says the mood is good despite the uncertainty. Image: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

“It has pulled us all together,” Mannah said, himself one of only 18 current 10-year one-club NRL players.

“It has made us realise that a big chunk of our players are off-contract.

“The one way that we can make that easier for ourselves is by playing good football and winning games.

“If you are winning games, chances are individually you are going to have a better chance of getting what you want as well. I has kind of made us want to put our best foot forward.”

Mannah has had a life sentence with the Eels. Image: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Mannah played his first NRL game for the Eels way back in round one, 2009.

He said he doesn’t even want to contemplate pulling on a rival team’s jumper just yet.

But if it comes to that, he is also a realist.

“To be honest I have been playing footy long enough to realise that it is a business as well,” he said.

“As much as I love the fairytale stories I have seen enough boys have to move on and do things that they probably wouldn’t have preferred to do.

“I have a young family now as well so I am not going to limit myself to one club if that is my only option.”

Mannah with father Fred and the Jonny Mannah Cup in 2014. Image: Phil Hillyard

This week’s clash against Cronulla has special significance for Mannah with the teams playing in honour of his late brother for the Jonny Mannah Cup.

Tim said it was hard to contemplate that this could be his last chance to play in this match.

Mannah said he had an agreement with the Eels that they would talk about his future in June.

Until then he just wants to concentrate on helping Parra win as many games as possible.

“Ideally this would preferably be my first, second and third choice,” he said.

“But if it has to be option number four I am also willing to look elsewhere.

“I love it here (at Parramatta). It is like home. But if I play good football it makes it easy for everyone to make the decision.”

Gutherson is sanguine about his future at the club. Image: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Which is a similar situation for Gutherson, whose manager Sam Ayoub will be meeting with Parramatta general manager of football Mark O’Neill this Thursday to try and work out a deal before Gutherson commences talking to rival clubs.

Like Mannah, he wants to stay at Parra but already three rival clubs have expressed an interest to talk to him.

“I have been here for four years now. I like the joint. I want to stay,” Gutherson said. “But I just have to keep playing footy.

“I will give Parramatta the first crack. I will talk to them first. I have been talking to them. It is not like I have just left them out in the cold.

“I am sure it will sort itself out sooner rather than later.”

Gutherson has made no secret of the fact he wants to continue being coached by Arthur.

“As everyone knows I get along with Brad really well,” Gutherson said.

“I think he is a great coach. He brings the best out in me.”