Ryan Papenhuyzen looms as the next crucial chip in the NRL’s high-roller player market, after Parramatta called an early end to their Clint Gutherson era.
Told by Parramatta on Wednesday night he is free to leave early, Gutherson is expected to sign with St George Illawarra in coming weeks on a three-year deal.
He will effectively take up the spot in the Dragons roster that previously belonged to Ben Hunt, who was released on Wednesday to open up a race for his signature.
Neither the Dragons nor Eels will have to carry either of the duo’s salary into next year’s cap, regardless of which club Hunt ends up at.
Gutherson’s move to the Dragons will raise questions over the future of Tyrell Sloan, who already had Valentine Holmes breathing down his neck for the No.1 jumper.
In moving on Gutherson, Maika Sivo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard early in the past month, the Eels have freed up close to $2 million in salary-cap space.
Part of that will be absorbed by contract upgrades, with J’maine Hopgood in particular re-signing through until 2027 late in the season.
Sources at Parramatta were also pushing back on the suggestion of a signing spree on Thursday, with the club insistent the priorities are keeping their juniors.
Richard Penisini, Charlie Guymer and Saxon Pryke, who all won U19s with the Eels last year, have each re-signed, while teenage prop Sam Tuivaiti is also a priority.
Incoming Penrith junior Isaiah Iongi was already expected to take over Gutherson’s No.1 jersey, even before the long-time co-captain’s exit.
Parramatta are also still eying off a hooker in the short-term, with Jayden Brailey’s move from Newcastle still an option.
But it is in 2026 where the Eels are expected to be even more flush with funds, with several more big-money contracts up at the end of 2025.
And Papenhuyzen is likely to come into the equation.
The Storm No.1 is keen to test his value and it is likely multiple Sydney clubs will be willing to top Melbourne’s offer of $750,000 a season.
Parramatta and Canterbury are now expected to be at the front of the queue.
Papenhuyzen grew up down the road from the Eels’s training base at Kellyville, with his family still living in the region and his partner also from Sydney.
He also has a pre-existing relationship with Ryles, who has served as a long-time assistant in Melbourne.
Even if Papenhuyzen does stay in Melbourne, it is likely the Storm’s Samoan livewire Sua Faalogo could then request a release and become an option for clubs such as the Eels.
Gutherson’s exit continues the sizeable shake up from Ryles as new coach.
Gutherson has been an Eels captain or co-captain since the start of 2018 and one of the most influential players at the club both on and off the field.
The 30-year-old’s commitment to the Eels has never been questioned, but the team’s culture and leadership has come under the microscope in recent months.
In moving on Campbell-Gillard and Gutherson, Ryles has let go of two of the biggest characters at the club and opened the door for his own new era.