St George Illawarra have tabled a mega deal for Clint Gutherson to play fullback for them next year after he was officially released from Parramatta on Thursday after weeks of speculation about his future.
The Eels had told their captain that he would be shifted to a utility role in 2025 if he stuck around and allowed him to explore options elsewhere as he entered the final season of his contract.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is ready to pounce after the club released halfback Ben Hunt last week although Gutherson is unlikely to replace his fellow Origin representative as skipper.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to wear the blue and gold,” he said in a statement issued by Parramatta.
“The support from the fans over the last nine years has been overwhelming, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunities the club has given me to grow as a player and a person. I will always cherish my time at the Eels and the relationships I’ve built along the way.”
New coach Jason Ryles they “would have liked Clint to be part of our squad in 2025, but we respect his desire to explore new opportunities and believe it’s important to support him in what he feels is best for his career”.
Gutherson has been offered a $2.5 million deal until the end of 2027 by the Dragons and he will slot into the No.1 jersey with Tyrell Sloan shifted to the wing slot vacated by Zac Lomax after he switched to Parramatta.
Unless they decide to try Gutherson in the halves with Kyle Flanagan, the Dragons still need to sign an established playmaker for next season following Hunt’s acrimonious exit.
They have added Souths hooker Damien Cook, who is tipped to take over the captaincy, and Cowboys star Valentine Holmes while Jack Bird has joined Wests Tigers and fellow utility Max Feagai is now a Dolphin.