Clint Gutherson contract news: NRL greats question ‘strange’ Parramatta Eels discussion
Discussion over Parramatta’s desire to sign another full-back has been ended by two NRL greats, with questions now being raised about Clint Gutherson and his future at the club.
A shock message appeared The Sydney Morning Herald Over the weekend, he revealed the Eels had met with Gutherson to discuss potentially adding an X Factor player to their outside back.
Despite Gutherson being the club’s captain and one of their most important players, he could potentially move down the middle in 2024 if the blue and gold are able to find a younger and more exciting option in the back.
The 28-year-old has played in over 160 games for the Eels, guided them to a major final last year and has consistently been among the best players in both attack and defence.
MORE: Phil Gould delivers tough message to outgoing Sydney Roosters star
Speaking of NRL 360, NRL legend Cooper Cronk was shocked to hear of Parramatta’s brave decision.
“X-Factor might get you a try or two, but Clint Gutherson will save you three or four,” he said.
“He’s one of the best defensive full-backs in the game, I think his work rate has gone through the roof and you have an X-factor with him [Dylan] Brown u [Mitchell] Moses in your half combination.
“I find this really odd, considering Gutherson is elite, he’s your captain and having an honest conversation about launching the X-Factor, I find it crazy.
“It’s not working for me, and he’s one of the elite full-backs in our game… maybe change his playstyle, don’t throw him out.”
Gutherson is averaging over 160 yards per game this season and also has two tries and 10 tackle breaks in Parramatta’s four games.
Sharks Premiership winner Paul Gallen was also quick to question the Eels’ discussion and believes Gutherson is among the best full-backs in the competition.
“I just can’t believe it – he’ll be 30, he’s got two or three more years at his peak,” Gallen continued 100 % Footy.
“Let’s think about the top-flight full-backs out there, we’re talking about Latrell Mitchell, Turbo [Tom Trbojevic], [James] Tedesco and maybe [Ryan] Papenhuyzen. They don’t leave their clubs.
“Gutho is probably a class below them at the moment. Gutho is such a good player. If they could get one of those four guys or maybe Manu, fair enough.”
Following the mega contract extensions for Brown and Moses, Parramatta remains in a strong position with his squad to challenge for a title in the years to come.
But according to Phil Gould, there may be more to the latest developments than meets the eye.
“I think the story is ass up,” he continued 100 % Footy.
“I think the approach came from Gutherson himself, he was concerned about the depth at the club. I think he started the conversation… it had nothing to do with them looking for someone else.
“I’m very curious to see what Clint Gutherson has to say about that – I very much doubt that Parramatta went to Gutherson and said, ‘We want to find a better full-back than you’… I just don’t think that happened.
“I think Gutherson started the conversation, I think you’ll find that’s a fact.”
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Is Clint Gutherson leaving the Eels?
At this point there is no indication that Gutherson will be leaving the Eels.
The latest discussion is all about what position he will play for the club in the long term, with the captain under contract until the end of 2025.
How old is Clint Gutherson?
Clint Guthalson is 28 years old and will be 29 at the end of this season.
Clint Gutherson career statistics
| games | 171 |
| Try | 74 |
| Goals | 98 |
| Try Assists | 90 |
| Line breaks | 82 |
| Average running meters | 146m |
| Forced dropouts | 41 |
Contract with Clint Gutherson
Clint Gutherson is under contract until At the end of the 2025 NRL season.