Parramatta Eels special: New coach Jason Ryles confirms Clint Gutherson positional switch; star’s contract future

Incoming Parramatta coach Jason Ryles will revolutionise Clint Gutherson’s role in 2025 - including stints in the forward pack - as the Eels captain prepares to become an NRL free agent.

Clint Gutherson’s days as a permanent NRL fullback appear over with incoming Parramatta coach Jason Ryles set to revolutionise the veteran’s role next season.

Ryles plans’ include the Eels skipper spending time at dummy half and the likelihood that he will become a free agent on November 1.

There has been plenty of conjecture surrounding Gutherson’s position in recent weeks, and Ryles has now confirmed he plans to shift Gutherson, 30, out of the No.1 jersey.

The most interesting proposition is not that Gutherson will be moved from the fullback spot — which has been long-mooted — but where Ryles will play him, which could lead to the talisman starting games from the bench.

Gutherson will play as a link man in the middle of the field, similar to the success Melbourne have had deploying Tyran Wishart and how the New Zealand Warriors use Dylan Walker.

“I see him as real good coverage for all positions really on the field, especially all our backs and then at 13, nine and that sort of role there,” Ryles said.

Clint Gutherson will play a roaming role under Jason Ryles. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“I see it as an enormous advantage for us to have someone like that on the field as that as that player. It is a massive advantage for us and the fact that he’s willing to buy into it and wants to do it, and Mitch (Moses) is across it as well — I just think that we will be able to play differently to a lot of teams when he’s on the field.”

The Eels have given themselves options at fullback.

They have signed Isaiah Iongi from Penrith on a three-year deal, while St George Illawarra winger Zac Lomax joins on a four-year contract.

While only 21, Iongi will get an opportunity at securing the fullback role. He has honed his craft under Dylan Edwards, having played 59 NSW Cup games in the past three seasons, which led to his sole NRL appearance in Round 22.

“This kid’s ready to go,” Ryles said.

“Obviously we don’t think that we’re signing Dylan Edwards, we don’t think that we’re signing the finished product. But we know that he’s well and truly on the way to being a good first grader.

“I spoke to Clint first and said, ‘this is the plan and this is what I’m thinking’. I couldn’t have got more buy-in. He was like ‘yep, I am sweet, whatever you see is the best thing for the team, I am happy to help him if you want me to’.

“I couldn’t speak highly enough of Clint from when I sat down and spoke to him and his buy-in.

“I think Gutho is at a stage now where he’s got an enormous amount to contribute still to our footy team and footy club. Obviously it could be a fullback or it could be another part of the field for us as well.”

Isaiah Iongi. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

Zac Lomax. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Eels will use the summer to see how the move works. What seems likely, though, is that Gutherson will be free to talk to rival clubs from November 1 with his current deal expiring at the end of next year.

The Dragons are one club who will look to pounce, should Gutherson be available.

“I sat down with (Gutherson’s agents) Liam and Sam (Ayoub),” Ryles said. “At no stage did we discuss Gutho moving before the end of his contract.

“That’s one thing that’s never been discussed before. Then the next part is, let’s just see how things go and let’s just see what the future looks like. If this role works out for us, then I don’t see why it can’t be part of Parramatta for much longer.”

Originally published as Parramatta Eels special: New coach Jason Ryles confirms Clint Gutherson positional switch; star’s contract future