Today’s news confirming that Parramatta captain, Clint Gutherson has signed a three year contract with the Dragons will understandably be an emotional, and to some degree divisive, topic within the broader Parramatta fanbase.
For over 200 games in the Blue and Gold, ‘King Gutho’ as he was affectionately known by his loyal subjects, has been the heartbeat of the club.
Gutherson had worked hand in hand with former coach Brad Arthur following the dark years of 2010-2016 to restore pride in the Parramatta jersey and make the club relevant in terms of premiership discussion, before ultimately leading the team to an unexpected but not undeserved grand final appearance against the Penrith juggernaut in 2022.
Despite playing different positions on the field, parallels could be drawn with Nathan Hindmarsh, another modern Eels great. Both were wholehearted performers whose sheer effort and tenacity meant that they were able to wring every single drop from the tank whenever they pulled on the Parra jersey.
A legend
From the time that the likelihood of the King’s departure became evident, the fans’ perspective seemed to fall into two camps:
1) The emotional response – angst at perceived injustice that one of the club’s favourite sons would not be given the opportunity for a fairytale sendoff at a club to which he had given so much.
2) The pragmatic view – the outcome was in the best result for both club and player due to the increasingly divergent interests of the two parties involved.
Where do I sit?
After a couple of weeks of assessing the decision I find myself positioned in the second camp. Keep in mind that as someone who has supported the club for close to 40 years, I’ve experienced countless moments of emotional reactions to results or player contracts.
Why am I so pragmatic about Gutherson’s departure?
My journey as a fan began as an emotional attachment to the Eels during tougher times. Too young to remember the glory years of the early 80’s but too old not to vividly remember the pain of the late 80’s to early 90’s, my fandom was actually forged in the fires of failure.
You remember those days. From near total irrelevance in the early 90’s (hands up if you cling to memories of beating Great Britain in ‘92 or Brisbane in ‘93 like a thirsty man searching for water in the desert?), to the hope of titles during the Brian Smith era, there was the excitement, and at times the visceral pain, of playing in big finals matches only to fall short.
During those years, my passion for the Eels was a combination of what both the club and the players meant to me. From cult heroes such as Erickson, Mahon, Crnkovich to the likes of Dymock, Smith and Kelly, these were players that I idolised and respected.
As time has evolved though, so too has the game and, by extension, how I view certain club decisions such as parting ways with Clint Gutherson.
Clubs exist because of the fans and our passion, but at the same time they are multi-million dollar businesses that have to be run as such. Phrases such as ‘corporate governance’ were unlikely to be uttered in the hallways of the old Cumberland Oval but are par for the course now.
The NRL has become a highly profitable corporation, where off field financial performance is almost as important as on field performance. It takes a lot of its cues from its near namesake, the NFL.
Off field assets, expansion of the game… everything is done in aid of maximising TV deals and by extension, off field revenue.
Under the leadership of Peter V’Landys, the NRL has moved towards maximising revenue and creating a sustainable business model for the future. There might be occasions where we disagree with some of the profit based calls, but the NRL is in a far stronger position heading in to 2025 than it was before PVL guided the game through COVID.
As fans we can feel all of the sentiment in the world towards our favourite players such as the King, but clubs can’t base their decisions on such emotion or attachments.
The rise of player agents has been an inevitable (and arguably necessary) consequence of the money in the game. An unfortunate by-product of this is a significant rise in player movement with the one club player becoming an increasingly scarce commodity.
As a fan I passionately support any player that dons a blue and gold jersey. And that won’t change. But, in the case of the King, I’ve learnt to accept that even one of the best to ever lead our club will have an end date.
The King scores a try
And sometimes, that might be initiated by a player who rightly needs to make the best financial decision for himself and his family.
In a professional code where the constant is the club and the Parramatta badge, I’m finding a better balance between emotion and pragmatism. The players are the temporary custodians of the jersey, we cheer for them, some become our favourites, but we need decisions made that benefit that constant – the club, the badge, the colours, the jersey.
It might be a perspective that’s light on romance, but it’s where my journey as a fan has taken me.
So back to the Clint Gutherson situation.
I have the utmost respect for how Gutho conducted himself as a player and a leader for the Parramatta Eels. He always gave everything he had and through his example as a leader he carried others along with him to greater heights.
This was a mutually beneficial relationship. Gutho was remunerated handsomely for his efforts, and he always gave the club value for money. I believe that it has ended the same way – mutually beneficial.
Gutho’s agent, Sam Ayoub, has done everything in his power to maximise the return for his client. That’s the agent’s job – to get the best possible result for the short, medium and long-term benefit of his client.
It’s been put to me that it would’ve been nice to find a win/win outcome for Gutho to remain a Parramatta player for the rest of his career. His ending with the Eels didn’t take that path.
The main variables on the table in this final negotiation were as follows:
Position on the field: Gutho wanted to play fullback, the club wanted to go with greater speed in the position.
Money: This was partially dictated by the first point. The player wanted the money equivalent to what he is currently earning, whereas the club wanted to pay him a salary in line with what they believed would be diminishing returns in the coming years.
Length of contract: The player wanted more years than the club were likely willing to offer him.
When all is said and done, the following things are true in my mind.
Clint Gutherson will forever be remembered as a legend of the club; the amicable dissolution of the relationship was best for all involved given the opportunity that seems to be available to him at the Dragons; and finally, I can find no fault in the club operating in a way that they deem to be in their own best interests.
The start to the Ryles era points to the new coach having a definite vision for how he wants to do things. The big changes bring excitement.
Here’s to a journey which brings on field success for the club.
Blue and Gold Forever
Chris Ricketts
It’s a sad day, even though this decision will likely benefit both sides in the long term. Clint Gutherson deserves to be celebrated as one of the greatest Eels’ fullbacks, right up there with Thornett and Hayne. His determination, heart, and relentless leadership on the field have made him more than just a player – he’s been the soul of the team.
Well said mate totally agree with you
100%. He was an admirable hard working player who gave us pride in the jersey, he made us proud to watch our team knowing the effort he always put in for us.
Well said and detailed…I couldn’t agree more.
Completely agree. Instead of picking sides and saying one has wronged the other, take a step back and see how this has benefited both the club and Gutho. The mutual decision was best for both parties.
He’s a huge loss on a personal level (as a player I’ve idolised) but I’m happy with what this means for the club, and what it means for him and his family.
Amen.
I agree, thanks Emma. Although not the romantic outcome many of us would’ve hoped for, it seems to be the outcome that most suits the player and the club.
Can’t fault Guthos efforts.
Gutho and his management did the best for themselves. Now you could argue they miscalculated if he wanted a parra finale.
In 2021 Gutho played out in the media a contract dispute just prior to the finals. He scored a 4 year huge money deal with ratchet clauses each year. BA was happy to sign this off.
However, you could suggest. In 2021, if they had gone for 3 years instead. Then, Gutho would have easily secured another 3 and possibly 4yrs with BA still as coach last year at the same coin. Obviously, it didn’t happen.
Gutho got the money and deal he wanted in the end. The way he and his management went about it will Not be missed. To me a club captain has to be better than that. He should set an example to others. You are captain on and off the field.
As a fan we don’t know the full story. We dont have the player data to compare or other info. But it’s clear Gutho wanted fullback, 3 years and big money and he didn’t want to wait. He got what he wanted.
Anyway all the best Gutho. I hope Flanno doesn’t treat you like his other players recently and you see out your contract.
A lot of assumptions/taking what the media has said to heart for someone who also says “as a fan we don’t know the full story”.
Pete it’s really hard I think the same things as you but at the same time am just glad he played at 110% for us most of the time where’s many high paid players at other clubs only show up occasionally or spent half the season every year on the sidelines. So in this respect we got lucky with gutho, he played most the time, played hard. But annoying the media leaks and games before finals games, etc. He might be just a simple bloke and trusts what his manager does & says. But I’m with you it was disappointing as an eels fan, hopefully our future captain doesn’t do it again.
Agree Muz,
Some are taking it harder than others and that’s all good.
But everyone is still agreeing with Guthos efforts being 100%.
Thanks (not) for your input Pete but I’d rather remember the effort he put in for this Club.
I still find it disappointing that a player who has given all and so loyal to the club is not given loyalty by the higher powers. It points to me that the management expect loyalty but don’t give e it. This is about all clubs management where mi Duisburg the most important. So they get rid of a plate then in the leaving speech rave on how they have appreciated them. I feel that is codswalop!
Yvonne I understand your disappointment. He was a great servant to the club. He was paid top money for his skill level and therefore a win win for player and club.
I was as disappointed as you when I first heard talk of him leaving. Gutho decided to take the Dragons contract as the best option for Gutho and his family.
I wish him the best at the Dragons.
How has Gutho been loyal beyond earning his contract ? I love the bloke, but he asked for and got top dollar right through his career. He wanted top dollar this time and the club said no. There’s no disloyalty from the club there. And any loyalty the club shows must be to its fans first via good management, not too any one player, no matter who that is.
I am with you Brett. Gutherson got what he wanted – money. The fact that he got it at another club, for me is the end of the matter. Flanagan has got a good player whose best days are just behind him. He will give his best but three years, if he gets through two it will be a miracle. Slow and tired legs. Gutherson should have carried on into next year at the Eels and then moved into coaching. The way he plays the game in giving his all will come back and hurt as he gets into his forties and fifties. Any player a legend or not who leaves the club in my books is no longer remembered. Mr Ricketts goes back forty years, I go back 66 years and there are some on this site who go back past me. I remember the times when we could never beat Saint George, Manly or Souths, in fact, any win was a rarity for years. They were tough years but supporters like myself and others never left them. Gutherson is compared to Ray Price in toughness but let me tell you Price and Gutherson is separated by daylight. And, Ray Price would not and did not leave the Eels for another club. If Gutherson wants to be remembered as a legend then he should have stayed. The King has abdicated, abandoned his throne for money therefore he no longer deserves our praise or adulation. We have new kids on the block, they deserve our attention. Gutherson, Gutherson – who???
Bit tough but there’s a lot in this view. Looking to the future, I’m excited by the news we’re getting about training. Starting just with promising youngsters and giving them the full attention of the training staff – masterstroke! They own training, no getting shuffled to one side by the established club players. What a message they are getting about the way they are seen by the club. By my count we now have five spots still to fill in the top 30. I look forward to further signings now that Clint’s situation has been finalised. He did very well, by the way, getting that third year.
Zero58, does this mean you’ve been working at the same company for the last 60-odd years (assuming 58 is the year you were born)? I commend you for staying at the company for so long, seemingly forgoing other opportunities for more money, which is in the end what determines the life we live.
Personally, I love where I work and the people I work with, but if I have an opportunity for more money elsewhere, I am going to prioritise the quality of life for me and my family over loyalty to a company that will only keep me here for as long as it suits their interests.
Football Clubs are employers.
Thanks Brad. Believe it or not money doesn’t matter that much to me. I live on just a pension and happily do so. How? I don’t smoke or gamble. I love a beer when the Eels win. I got a little thirsty in 2024. By the way my year of birth makes me 75.
Brad, changing jobs is okay if you are in the hunt for money but, the real question to consider – will you be happier. Gutherson got what wanted more money – will he really be happier? I can’t answer but history tells me money will never make you happy. The side effect is greed. I would assume as a Parra fan you are only hungry for more wins and another pennant.
Take care Brad, thank you for your kind words and be happy with what you have and enjoy life.
I’ve already shared my view that I think we should have kept Gutho – I don’t think based on pure sentiment either, but based on logic, so I won’t go over that again.
But I agree with the sentiment that he’s a club legend and I’d like to think after he’s done with NRL, he sees himself as a life time eel, and the club does the same.
It is possible to sit in both camps with emotion and pragmatism. Like Boods decision earlier in the year, we knew this day was coming. It doesn’t stop the heartache we feel in the departure of our biggest club legend since Price.
Lets hope we can find a way to show our gratitude when he returns to Parradise. Would love to see him do a lap of honour!
I feel a lap of honour would be a slap in the face for whom ever lost that game. I believe though a standing ovation from us as he first entered the field would be a fitting acknowledgement.
I have read that Clint will be paid $2.3 million over three seaons at The Dragons. Given his age and the state of his knees I believe that that is considerably more than he is now worth. I wpuld have been concerned had we been willing to offer him that sort of money. It was in his best interests to move on. Given his service to pir club, apprpriately, we didn’t stand in his way. End of story.
Big changes though, are n’t they?
Very big changes Noel. Exciting but undeniably a little scary. The game is evolving quickly and Coach Ryles has a vision of where he sees the team needing to move to in order to succeed in the modern game.
Gutho did well to get the deal he got, so good luck to him on whatever his future holds. NRL is a very short lived career so I’ll never begrudge anyone getting as much as they can while they can. I understand Ryles is wanting to go with speed at 1, but to me that’s not the be all and end all as some fans seem to think. Penrith have won 4 of the last 5 and I wouldn’t exactly call Edwards a speedster. In fact, you could argue the entire Panthers backline has lacked that explosive speedster over the last few years. There’s more important things than a speedy fullback (eg. Walsh and others) and the Eels are about to find out in a big way whether speed at the back or stability at the back is the better option.
Gutho is parra. Devastating he is leaving. As you said it’s a short career, hopefully he can stay for that contract and collects good money until his retirement. But it’s going to be shit not seeing the king out there for us next year. I personally feel they are underestimating his importance, I stated that from day one when I felt they were doing it, saying he could be a bench player or lock. Short term we May experience pain, but the team will hopefully adjust over time without him.
Stubbyholder in some ways Gutho and Edwards are similar style players. Not the best leg speed but super fit and get through a lot of work.
I have a different take on an old saying. A quick fit man will beat a not so quick fit man at fullback.
I remember commenting to the person sitting next to me this past season that Gutho wasn’t getting across in defence like he used to. I thought he must have been injured.
That was part of it.
I made my peace with Gutho leaving after listening to Moses speak about the situation.
He didn’t come out swinging in Gutho’s defensive. He didn’t reject the idea of captaining the team in 2025.
Reading between the lines, Gutho has spared Mitch the unnecessary media attention by not playing the loyalty card and not expecting Mitch to voice his disappointment in public.
Privately, I think the two understand that footy is a business and business decisions aren’t always going to parallel with loyalty.
It’s in my nature to harbour resentment to some players who leave our great club, I’m sorry, I don’t wear a halo. Some players I’ll rescent till day I die. Jamie “the pig hugging” Lyon who crapped on our club for no other reason other than to follow his fellow “pig hugging” friend Noel Cleal to Manly and Blaize who was nurtured, pampered and given every available resource including a stupid contract in his favour with the expectation that he would reward the club at some point chose to regurgitated the clubs loyalty and returned it in a handbag.
Gutho, well he’s cut from a different cloth, I’ve read some comments about Gutho being fairly remunerated for his services, regardless of what Gutho was paid, he didn’t have to play injured, he didn’t have to play needled up, few if any would have played with three broken ribs, he would’ve been paid just the same.
This man bled for the club, he played busted because he insisted against medical advice.
TCT has Gutho in the same league as Ray Price when it comes to toughness and grit and rightly so.
I hope the Dragons have a good season, not because I like the Dragons but because I wish Gutho to have a great season.
Gutho is and will always be an Eels legend.
Nice read “guest writer” Chris, your passion for the club shone through your words.
Gutho is up there with toughness like ray price. His work ethic, consistency and heart for the team is up there like Hindmarsh. Gutho was a once in every decade or so player. I hope the parramatta eels at some point name an award after his name.
Well said Joseph & Muz
Nice one Joseph. This is why some players in their mind become god like because of the expansive and at times unthinking adulation we give to mere men who can play football but often are airheads away from the training paddock. Gutherson did and played what he was paid for and in the end it wasn’t enough. You will find Gutherson will eventually go one year too long and do we think the Dragons fans are the forgiving types. No they are not!
Joseph, he got what he wanted but is it really in his best interests when there was life after football at the Eels. He played his best years at the Eels, I don’t believe he will reach those heights again. True he was Parra through to the core but, emotionally could he really be a dragon in the same sense. I doubt it.
To be honest Zero, I think it is in Gutho’s best interest. He’s guaranteed to earn 2.5M if he plays a minute or every game for the next three seasons.
He was only guaranteed to earn 950k by staying, he may or may not have continued beyond next season. Serious injury or loss of form would’ve all but end his career if he gambled and stayed. I certainly wouldn’t gamble with an extra 1.6M on the table.
Loyalty in most cases is given to the hand that feeds you last. Either way, he’s assured of gig post footy. Personally, I think Gutho will land in the media somewhere. He’s well spoken, presents well and has enough footy cred to land a job.
Gutho was busted by round 3 last season, he played most of the season with one injury or another. He clearly lost what ever zip he had left when accelerating or stepping but could still hold his own in the clear. Is that good enough from a fullback?
I admit I was one of those who called Gutho done mid season and did post that he should retire. It didn’t go down well here.
I’m absolutely certain Ryles made the right call and the Dragons have taken a massive risk over three years. Gutho brought plenty to the table, Ryles has obviously looked at what Gutho could no longer bring and that’s obviously attack from the back and speed to push through the middle. Even BA indentified the need for an X factor, that whole X factor thing was pointed at Gutho.
If I was being honest,I can’t see Gutho getting past next season. I am glad that Gutho will be getting paid no matter what.
It won’t go down well with Dragons fans but I think their anger will be towards Flanno and the board. I think even Dragons fans will find it hard to disrespect the King.
Jo gutho looked after his family for (likely) his last contract it seems, fair to him. We got his best years. Storm & Penrith let go of quality players all the time who are on the verge of past their best or have reached their potential and keep building. I didn’t want him gone, but I can understand it.
I also think dragons may regret. I personally think gutho is still busted. His knees are probably flogged so bad, he may not last 3 seasons.
I reckon it’s a huge risk to sign him that long. But he is very versatile. Flanno would be looking at him in 5 ways; a guy who can play fullback, both wings, centre, even a utility who can sufficiently play #6.
Very, very few players are that versatile. I’m assuming from this perspective and the fact he can teach Sloan are the selling points.
Otherwise it makes zero sense to sign him on that much money for 3 years when he looks very broken down physically.
I’ve got no issues with Gutho looking after himself and moving on. He leaves as a club legend and will be remembered as having a motor as big as Hindmash. I hope he does had a good three years with the Dragons (except when he plays Parra).
I suppose this sets up some dominos to fall in player movements elsewhere. As for Parra, we can’t expect that value that we got from Gutho to have as much worth in a rejigged side. Ryles has something in mind and it will be fascinating to see it come together.
Well said. I love the mention of Stu Kelly who was one of my favourites. I remember the day he was dropped for some young kid to make his debut. I thought Brian Smith had completely lost the plot. The kid was Jamie Lyon. Here is hoping we unearth another gem this time to replace Gutho
I think everyone should see this for what it is. Clint is aware as is the club that this will be his last rodeo. He grew into a role in the proud tradition of this club, to become our brave and skilful warrior, who I am satisfied having supported the club for more than 55 years, gave everything on the paddock for his team mates, the club and the supporters. In my view his ability to get himself up physically and mentally when broken, was nearly Ray Price like, who was pound for pound the toughest ombré to play the game. Gutho needs to secure his and his family’s financial future. I am satisfied this deal was done by the club for his benefit and the club’s, he now has a 3 year deal with financial certainty. We should applaud his efforts, he has been a terrific and tenacious servant of our great football club, and all its traditions. Gutho will one day be in our hall of fame, and I wish him every success, and thank him for his blood sweat and tears for this wonderful football club and its fans.
Tks Chris, well expressed. Gutho ranks with the best Eels, he will be missed. Sixties’ training reports left us in no doubt about the King’s application,leadership and example, he gave full value. Just as a sidebar, I think I recall Joe Ofahengaue being mentioned by Sixties as a trainer in the Gutho style.
I have the utmost respect for Gutho as a player and a person. He has performed, both on and off the field for Parramatta, with great dignity and passion. It is with great sadness to see him go but I wish him well and I look forward to following his career with the Dragons in the coming years.
Blue & Gold forever.
Sixties can we do a once in a decade or best wel for each decade column?
I think we’ve had some amazing eels over the years who completely lead the rest in efforts, sacrifice, toughness, determination.
Clint gutherson, Ray Price, Hindmarsh to name a few.
I personally have got Clint Gutherson as our best player in the last 10 years.
As many have stated before “if we have a team of Clint guthersons we would win the comp”
Clint gutherson might cop slight criticisms due to his age, damage, speed with age, etc.
To state how good he has been for us, even looking severely compromised, broken ribs and torn quads, I still had him as our best parramatta eel of 2024 as did many other people.
You put Clint gutherson in the team older, knees seemingly injured, broken bones, torn quads. He would still our play and out-effort the whole team.
Whatever happens Clint gutherson will always be an eel in my eyes.
I have seen Clint at the local near my house (close to where he lives on NB), walking with such stiff legs, like he was in pain, almost like he just ran a marathon. Imagine how you walk after doing 100 reps of heavy squats. That’s how Clint gutherson was walking, while getting groceries.
This guy obviously put absolutely everything of himself into this club and this team. I wish I could describe to you how Clint looked while walking. Possibly after an eels training session (1-2 years ago).
The effort this guy put in will not be easily replaced with big cap spending or fast talent. Maybe 0.001% of players will completely sacrifice themselves for their team in regards to emptying the tank, playing injured, or out-training & out -playing Everyone for year on year at parra.
I wish the king good luck. I wish we could all share to him how much we all appreciate him and so that he knows how we feel. He is one of the most respected, loved, hard working parramatta eels ever.
Clint gutherson is parramatta. I believe his work ethic also helped bring us from a dark age into a new age of being a consistently competitive finals team. We also did it often using mostly other clubs unwanted players.
If I ever see him around I’ll tell him that as a parra fan how much he means to us. He probably knows, but I’ll be sure to remind him anyway.
Long love the king 👑
Muz, Gutherson has gone! Get over it! He is a dragon now – on the other side. He again played out his contract drama in the media to get what he wants. Let’s focus on the future Gutherson will worry about himself. I have no time for players who get their big break at the Eels and leave. He has abandoned the Eels for money. Money spoke louder than loyalty. We still have a team that will function under new directions. The Dragons won’t make the top eight next year – the Eels are certains.
Fair, and allowed to have your own opinion. Bug personally believe we should not hate him for going at end of his career.
but*