Parramatta Eels announce Mitchell Moses as new club captain following departure of Clint Gutherson

Parramatta’s new era has come with a change of leadership, with coach Jason Ryles announcing a new club captain for the Eels’ 2025 season following the exit of Clint Gutherson.

Mitchell Moses is the new Eels club captain. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Parramatta’s new era comes with new leadership after star halfback Mitch Moses was announced as the club’s solo captain.

Taking over from former fullback and close mate Clint Gutherson, the NSW Origin champion has been given the nod to lead the club into the future under new coach Jason Ryles.

It’s come at the expense of Gutherson’s former co-captain Junior Paulo, who now forms part of the leadership group after three seasons in the job.

Moses, 30, joins Paulo, respected forward J’maine Hopgood, and newcomer Jack Williams in the leadership group for 2025.

“I am incredibly proud and honoured to be named captain,” Moses said on Thursday.

“This club means so much to me, and it’s a privilege to lead this group of players. I have great support around me from the leadership group and coaching staff, and I can’t wait to start the season with them in a few weeks.”

Moses joined the club in 2017 and has grown into one of the stars of the game across the past few seasons.

His 2024 season was interrupted by injury as the club struggled through one of their toughest on the field without his leadership, narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon.

Mitchell Moses takes over the captaincy from Clint Gutherson. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

New Zealand international star Dylan Brown captained the Eels alongside Paulo at various stages last season as suspensions and injury ripped through the team.

The star five-eighth has also been overlooked for the top job amid speculation about his future at the club beyond the end of this season thank to exit clauses embedded within his lengthy contract.

It’s a deliberate ploy from Ryles to install some stability within the squad following a significant roster turnover leading into his first season as head coach.

“Mitch has shown strong leadership qualities both on and off the field, and I believe he is ready to lead our club into the future,” he said.

“With the support of our leadership group, I’m confident he will continue to grow as a leader.”

Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said: “Mitch has been an outstanding player for our club, and we are thrilled to see him step into the role of captain. Mitch’s appointment is an important moment for the club as we move into an exciting new era for our football program.”

The Eels kick off the 2025 season against Melbourne at AAMI Park on March 9.

Originally published as Parramatta Eels announce Mitchell Moses as new club captain following departure of Clint Gutherson