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.”
Clint Gutherson celebrates scoring a try. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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’.
“Gutho being our captain, it’s not just a hard person to fill, but obviously a hard role to fill as well,” Brown told Code Sports.
“So there’s definitely players there that can do exactly that. But a lot of people have said we have lost the heartbeat of our club and he sort of was that.
“But I think in Guth’s own words, move or you rust.”
When asked about Brown’s tribute, Gutherson was touched, though he took the opportunity to take a cheeky dig at his old teammate’s sincerity.
“Dylan probably doesn’t even remember what I look like!” he laughed.
“But seriously, it’s something special to know that you left something there and you always just want to leave the club and a jersey in a better spot.