Done deal: Eels set to announce Gutherson contract extension
Parramatta is poised to announce the retention of Clint Gutherson on Thursday after the parties agreed to terms on a three-year deal on Wednesday night.
The Eels have now retained coach Brad Arthur and captain Gutherson and will turn their attention to off-contract halfback Mitchell Moses, who also has a three-year deal on the table.
Gutheron’s retention ends months of public and protracted negotiations, with the fullback accepting the offer after the club opted not to offer him the fourth year he was seeking. Manly was used as leverage to up his price but it’s understood the Sea Eagles never tabled him an offer and couldn’t match Parramatta’s money.
On Wednesday, Gutherson admitted the saga was taxing.
“I don't know to be honest,” Gutherson said when asked if he would have changed anything in hindsight.
“I tried to get it done six or seven months ago and it didn't work, it's just the way it's played out.
“I'm sure the club's sick of it too. They're doing what's best for them and I'm trying to do what's best for me as a player and a person. It's what's best for both parties.
“It's been a bit frustrating. You don't want to be out there all the time but that's the way it is. The club's handled it the way they should and there's a lot of people off-contract, so they've got to do what's best for them and I've just got to do what's best for me.”
The retention of Arthur was viewed as crucial in getting Gutherson across the line.
The Eels have been privately frustrated with Gutherson’s agent, believing he is behind an orchestrated public campaign to raise his asking price. However, both parties finally got a deal done.