Clint Gutherson has paid tribute to his time at the Parramatta Eels – and responded to a touching message from former teammate Dylan Brown – as he prepares for life at St George Illawarra.
Gutherson sensationally departed the Eels for a three-year deal with the Dragons at season’s end, with new coach Jason Ryles not guaranteeing the former captain the starting fullback spot in 2025, just two years after he led the Eels to the 2022 NRL grand final.
However, despite the manner of his exit, Gutherson has nothing but respect for his old club, where he played 206 games in nine seasons – though he is looking forward to facing his former teammates for the first time in 2025.
“They’re a great club,” he said.
“They’re going to be going forward as well and I’m here now, they’re there, so this is where we stand and I’m looking forward.
“A lot of my close mates are still there, obviously, and you just want to get one up on them. You look at those games and the big games and you want to play in them and they’re going to be no different.”
Gutherson’s departure has seen several teammates pay tribute to his influence at the Eels, with Dylan Brown saying they have ‘lost the heartbeat of the club’.