NRL 2024: Parramatta Eels reject Charlie Guymer’s request to negotiate to rival clubs

Parramatta have denied a request from emerging gun Charlie Guymer to allow him to speak to rival clubs and join the exodus of young talent leaving the blue and gold.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Charlie Guymer of the Eels is tackled during the round 19 NRL match between Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium, on July 13, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Parramatta have denied a request from young gun Charlie Guymer’s management to allow him to join the exodus of emerging talent at the Eels.

The club, on Thursday, responded to this masthead’s revelations that Guymer’s manager, Anthony Field, had approached Parramatta to seek permission to look elsewhere.

“Charlie has an existing contract that will see him remain with the blue and gold until the 2026 season,” the statement said.

“His management approached the club last week seeking permission to negotiate with other clubs. This request was denied and the club has a strong commitment to Charlie’s future.”

Lock Guymer is another one of the Eels most exciting young NRL stars and a member of the club’s SG Ball-winning team from 2023.

It follows the news on Wednesday that Blaize Talagi had quit the Eels to join Penrith, following local junior star Matt Arthur and Ethan Sanders out the door.

The Eels have denied Charlie Guymer a request to speak to rival clubs. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Guymer is upset that his close mates – Arthur, Talagi and Sanders – have all left.

“This now sits with Parramatta,” Field said. “They’ve told me we can’t talk to other clubs.

“I had six clubs ring me after his debut.

“It’s now up to them to try to convince him to stay. Talk’s cheap – they’ve got to back it up.

“He was very solid with the boys who are leaving.”

Many good judges rate Guymer a better prospect than Wests Tigers young gun Stefano Utoikamanu.

It is an interesting situation because Guymer agreed to a two-year extension when Brad Arthur was still at the club – as an $80,000 development player in 2025 and on $140,000 – the NRL minimum wage for 2026.

Guymer recently made his first-grade debut for the Eels and turned in a barnstorming performance against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, prompting a flurry of interest from rival clubs.

Charlie Guymer is upset that he’s losing his close friends at the Eels. Picture: NRL Imagery

Field claimed that the youngster wanted to talk to rival clubs despite a positive recent meeting with incoming coach Jason Ryles.

“It was Brad Arthur who convinced him to sign for two more years,” Field said. “But as soon as Brad was sacked the kid rang me because he was concerned.

“Brad sold him the vision but it’s changed now.

“This isn’t about Jason Ryles because they’ve had a good meeting.

“I feel sorry for Jason. He’s walked into a mess.”

Guymer, who is from Temora, the same town as NSW Blues stars Zac Lomax and Liam Martin, suffered an ankle injury in his second game for Parra which required season-ending surgery.

Bronson Xerri has opened contract extension talks with the Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

XERRI KEEN TO EXTEND STAY WITH BULLDOGS

- Tyson Jackson

It’s only a year into his comeback, but Bronson Xerri has declared he plans to stay at Canterbury for a very long time.

Fresh off Bulldogs boss Phil Gould announcing on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Xerri has commenced extension talks, the 23-year-old made it clear he has every intention of repaying the club for putting their faith in him.

“The club has given me a second opportunity, and it’s only right for me to stay here and repay their faith,” Xerri said.

“I’m loving every minute at this club.”

In news sure to make Bulldogs fans very happy, Xerri has revealed that a deal is close to being finalized, and an announcement could be imminent.

“We are pretty close; I’m just focused on the game this weekend and letting my manager and others sort that out for me,” he said. “I would love to stay at this club; I’m really enjoying it.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Parramatta Eels reject Charlie Guymer’s request to negotiate to rival clubs