Clint Gutherson, the former Parramatta Eels captain and one of the most beloved figures in the club’s recent history, has broken his silence on his unexpected departure and revealed the circumstances surrounding his move to the St George Illawarra Dragons. Speaking candidly to The Sydney Morning Herald, Gutherson opened up about his release from the Eels, offering a rare glimpse into the personal and professional factors that led to his exit.
The shock decision to part ways with Gutherson stunned many, as the 30-year-old had been a mainstay at Parramatta for over a decade. In his 206 games for the club, he had grown into the heart and soul of the team, known for his relentless work ethic, leadership, and commitment to the Eels’ cause. However, with the arrival of new coach Jason Ryles, the Eels’ direction was set to change. Ryles reportedly informed Gutherson that, while he had earned his place in the team, he would no longer be the starting fullback in 2025. Instead, he was being considered for a utility role, which would involve a shift to the bench.
The news was a bitter pill for Gutherson, but he revealed that, despite his deep love for the club, he had no hard feelings towards Parramatta. “It’s just the way the club wanted to go with their direction,” he explained. “There’s no hard feelings; it’s the way rugby league and the business world works.” He acknowledged that the decision was part of the sport’s ever-evolving landscape, where players and clubs are constantly recalibrating for the future. “I’ve got no ill (will) towards anyone at the club and never will. I’ll be forever grateful for what they have given me,” he said, stressing that he understood the reasoning behind the club’s choice.
Ryles’ vision for the Eels in 2025 included giving a more prominent role to Isaiah Iongi, a young fullback recruited from Penrith, who was expected to slot into the No.1 jersey. This move would have relegated Gutherson to a bench role, something the veteran felt was not aligned with his ambitions at this stage of his career. After a meeting with the club’s hierarchy, it became clear to Gutherson that the Eels were planning to shift in a new direction, and he was not a part of that future.
Despite the difficult nature of the conversation, Gutherson revealed that he respected Ryles’ decision and accepted the reality of the situation. “They just wanted to move into a new direction, and I wasn’t going to be a part of that,” he said. In a sign of maturity and professionalism, Gutherson revealed he plans to reach out to Ryles soon to wish him well for the upcoming season, highlighting the absence of any animosity between the two.
His departure from Parramatta marked the end of an era for the Eels. However, it also opened the door for a new chapter in Gutherson’s career with the St George Illawarra Dragons. The Dragons, under the leadership of coach Shane Flanagan, moved quickly to secure Gutherson’s services, offering him a lucrative three-year deal reportedly worth $2.5 million. For Gutherson, the move is not just about football; it’s also a significant life decision for him and his family, who are set to relocate to Wollongong.
In his new role at the Dragons, Gutherson will bring invaluable experience and leadership to a team that has struggled in recent seasons. Although his time at Parramatta has come to an end, his legacy with the Eels remains cemented, and he remains grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the club’s history. As he embarks on this new chapter with St George Illawarra, Gutherson’s resolve and professionalism continue to shine, reaffirming his place as one of the game’s respected veterans.
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