Clint Gutherson has settled his future.Credit:Getty
The blue and golds initially offered Gutherson only a two-year extension,but eventually relented and offered him the third season he was seeking. The parties have now agreed to the terms,providing a much needed good-news story for the club after missing out on the signatures of Marata Niukore and Isaiah Papali’i,who will link with the Warriors and Wests Tigers respectively at the end of the 2023 season.
Brown is expected to stay put,but the battle to retain Mahoney and Paulo remains. Canterbury have made no secret of their intention to poach Mahoney,who was photographed dining with Bulldogs powerbrokers this month. The hooker is also a potential target of the Dolphins,who are in the mix for the signature of Melbourne rake Brandon Smith.
Paulo will also have no shortage of suitors,including the new Queensland franchise.
However,Gutherson’s signing is likely to boost the chances of Parramatta’s other off-contract stars committing. The Eels appear to be in a premiership window and the club is trying to keep it open as long as possible by securing its marquee men.
“We are delighted for Clint and his partner Jesse to remain part of the Eels,” said Parramatta general manager of football,Mark O’Neill.
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“Clint is a key leader of the club and the energy and commitment he brings to work every day is unparalleled. Additionally,his on-field performances week in and week out are always at a consistently high level.”