I doubt Gutherson has anything to do with the long drawn out process but sometimes a player has to make a stand. He’s a good player and seems a likable figure by fans of all teams. What’s occurring now is damaging his personal brand. I get that these guys have a limited time frame to make a dollar and no one begrudges them doing that. However at what cost?
Aaron Woods is a prime example. Between 2014-2016 he was a first choice starting prop in every rep side. Most thought he was a tad over rated but he came across as a bit of a clown, character and most League fans seemed to like him. He then handled the negotiations of his next contract extremely poorly and played it out in the media on advice from his agent. Sure he got the fat new contract he wanted. However in the next 12 months he lost his rep jerseys, got cut from his new club, became a perennial club bench player and is now thought of as a bit of a joke by the whole league community. If he had of sacrificed a bit of cash and stayed at his home team he would be considered a club legend.
From the fans point of view the changing of the club isn’t really the issue, it’s how it’s done. What Tigers fans hate Josh Addo-Carr? None.
Gutherson needs to decide what’s important to him, is it an extra $50k a year? (Keep in mind after tax, agents fees etc it’s going to be more like $18k) Or is it staying at the club that’s stuck by him, made him captain and can help him forge his own legacy there.