Parramatta captain and fullback Clint Gutherson has confirmed reports he’s had a conversation with the club around exploring other options in his position and added he’s fully behind the move.
A Sydney Morning Herald report over the weekend revealed the popular and reliable fullback had been informed by Eels officials they were looking to add a “game-breaker” in a move that could see Gutherson moved elsewhere in the backline.
Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday, the 28-year-old said the club had his full support in attempting to strengthen the team and he and coach Brad Arthur had, in fact, been in agreement on the matter.
“It was just me and Brad, we just had a conversation - we’ve got three spots to fill in our top 30 and we were just going back and forth with what we need and where we want to go in the next few years and this season as well,” Gutherson said.
“I just said, ‘Let’s just look at everyone.’
“I’m there to win games, I’ve always said I just want to win, I just love playing footy and want to win games.
“Obviously this came out in the last 24 hours and I think it’s been blown out of proportion, to be honest.
“I said to Brad I’d be happy to do anything to win games of footy.
“It’s just one of those things that once the media and player managers get a hold of, it just takes off and I think that’s what it’s doing now.
“That was the conversation that me and Brad had, I hadn’t spoken to anyone else at the club and now it’s turned into this.
“It doesn’t bother me one bit, I woke up this morning with a smile on my face.”
One of the suggestions in the initial report was that Parramatta could recruit a player to bring some X-factor off the bench, seeing Gutherson move into the centres where he has featured for New South Wales in the past.
Asked his thoughts on that, Gutherson said he would if needed but added he wouldn’t give up the fullback role without a fight.
“I’d be open to [playing another position] but Brad said to me they’re not just going to do it, to do it,” he said.
“They’ve got to make sure that if it does happen, it’s got to be the right player.
“From all I’ve heard, there’s been no talks with anyone else yet.
“I’m just going about my business and I think I’m only getting into the best part of my career now.
“It’s going to be hard to find someone to replace me and I’m going to keep that spot as long as I can.”
Cooper Cronk questions Eels move
Speaking on NRL 360, NRL legend Cooper Cronk was in shock to hear of Parramatta's bold decision.
“X-factor might score you a try or two, but Clint Gutherson will save you three or four,” he said.
“He’s one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game, I think his work rate is through the roof and you have X-factor with [Dylan] Brown and [Mitchell] Moses in your halves combination.
“I find this really strange, considering it is Gutherson who is elite, he’s your captain and having an honest conversation about bringing X-factor, I find it crazy.
“It doesn’t work for me, and he’s one of the elite fullbacks in our game...maybe change his game style, don’t throw him out.”
Gutherson is averaging over 160 run metres per game this season, while also scoring two tries and making 10 tackle breaks in Parramatta's four games.
Is Clint Gutherson leaving the Eels?
At this stage, there is no indication that Gutherson will leave the Eels.
The recent discussion is solely around what position he will play for the club long-term, with the captain contracted until the end of 2025.
Clint Gutherson career stats
| Games | 171 |
| Tries | 74 |
| Goals | 98 |
| Try Assists | 90 |
| Linebreaks | 82 |
| Avg Run Metres | 146m |
| Forced Dropouts | 41 |
Clint Gutherson contract
Clint Gutherson is contracted until the end of the 2025 NRL season.
