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

Clint Gutherson has been granted permission to test the open market following a meeting between the Eels captain and the club, with a club already looming as his potential next destination.

Parramatta have granted skipper Clint Gutherson permission to test the open market after the star met with Eels officials on Thursday morning.

The Eels have decided to allow Gutherson to speak to rival clubs for the 2026 season fast-tracking the looming November 1 deadline out of respect to their club captain.

Gutherson remains contracted at the Eels for next season but is in line for a positional switch.

Gutherson and his agent Sam Ayoub met with Eels officials including new coach Jason Ryles and head of football Mark O’Neill at a Concord café on Thursday morning.

The Dragons are looming as a potential destination for Gutherson. The Eels have so far indicated they would not release him before his deal ends.

Ryles wants to see how Gutherson plays in his new roaming role before making a decision on his long-term future.

They have also told Gutherson that they want to know what interest Gutherson has in the open market before he makes any move.

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