Captaincy, comps and contracts – Clint Gutherson breaks down his future at Parramatta
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CHIEF SPORTS WRIT
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Clint Gutherson says he was never going to quit Parramatta – still driven to become the club’s first premiership-winning captain in 36-years.
The Eels’ influential fullback has also revealed
the club’s trio of departing players – Reed Mahoney, Marata Niukore and Isaiah Papali’i – gave a speech to the playing group on Wednesday outlining their desire to leave with a 2022 grand final ring.
All three players reaffirmed their commitment to seeing out the remaining 12-months of their contracts.
Gutherson, 27, signed a new four-year deal with Parramatta last month that will tie him to the club until the end of the 2025 season.
The loss of Mahoney, Niukore and Papali’i, in-concert with the club’s failure to lockdown their captain prior to November 1 – the point at which Gutherson could field offers from rival clubs – led to
widespread scrutiny directed at Eels management from fans and commentators.
The club’s negotiation skills continues to field heat with key forward Junior Paulo yet to be re-signed.
However, in his first interview since inking his own new deal, Gutherson explained why his process took longer than desired.
“I wanted to stay. I always said that,” Gutherson said.
“I didn’t want it to drag out, I wanted it done before I got back to training.
“These things take time to fit exactly where the player and club want to be.
“I’m really happy to be staying for another few years and to lead this club into what I know will be a good period.
“We’ve all got one goal and I’m going out there every single day to try and better myself to be there on grand final day when it comes.
“Over the last five years I feel I’ve really grown as a player and a leader and if I continue to do that over the next few years here, we’re going to be in a very good spot.’’
Gutherson declined to discuss Paulo‘s current contract situation, however he felt there was a silver lining from the emotional decision by Mahoney, Niukore and Papali’i to leave the club.
“It’s disappointing to see players go, but the best teams get their players taken,’’ Gutherson said.
“Those boys have done a wonderful job up to this stage.
“There’s still one more year to go for them and they’re all fully committed.
“They told us their decision before it was out in the media what they were doing.
“They spoke on Wednesday about where they want to be and how they want to leave this club.
“We’ve had a big emphasis on leaving that jersey in a better position and making sure the next person who wears it knows they have to play well.
“The players leaving know they will be doing that.
“We’re all grown men, you’ve got to be able to move with it.
“They’re a big part of this group.
“We’re looking forward to it. You can squeeze every little ounce out of them.’’
Gutherson returned to pre-season training on Monday.
One of the fiercest competitors in the NRL, the 139-game player admits the heartache of losing 8-6 to Penrith during the 2021 semi finals still stings.
“We were so close to winning, there were probably two or three plays where we could’ve won it,’’ Gutherson said.
“You work so hard for so many months to put yourself in that position with five minutes to go … that’s what stung the most.
“I hate losing, more than I like winning.
“We believe in ourselves. We have largely the same squad as last season.
“And those finals games lit something in us all.”
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