By Michael Chammas and Danny Weidler
Parramatta have granted Clint Gutherson permission to negotiate with rival clubs immediately after the Eels informed their captain they were not in a position to offer him an extension.
Eels coach Jason Ryles and general manager Mark O’Neill met with Gutherson and his agent Sam Ayoub on Thursday morning to discuss the veteran’s future at the club.
Ayoub had been seeking clarity from the Eels around their position on Gutherson, who will become a free agent on November 1.
The Eels retierated their desire to use Gutherson in a utility/roaming role next year and because of the uncertainty around how it would work, were unable to make him an offer.
The Eels want to see how Gutherson performs in the role before they can put a contract value or length of term together.
The Eels have subsequently given Ayoub permission to begin negotiations with rival clubs immediately and not wait until November.
Eels captain Clint Gutherson expects incoming coach Jason Ryles to put his stamp on the club’s roster.Credit: Getty Images
The Eels declined to comment when contacted by this masthead but confirmed, out of respect for Gutherson, that they had given his manager permission to test the market if he kept them abreast of the situation.
The Dragons have expressed interest in luring Gutherson to the club in 2026. If they manage to strike a deal, it is likely the Eels will be left with a decision to make over whether they should release their captain immediately.
Gutherson is on a deal worth around $950,000 next year. The Dragons are willing to pay him a large chunk of that salary to play fullback next year.
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking under the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality told this masthead Gutherson has had expressions of interest from multiple NRL clubs.
The St George Illawarra backline could be Gutherson at fullback, Tyrell Sloan and Josh Addo-Carr on the wing and Moses Suli with Valentine Holmes in the centres. The Dragons are in discussions with Addo-Carr’s management.
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