By Billie Eder
Parramatta’s playing group are “on notice”, according to skipper Clint Gutherson, who expects incoming coach Jason Ryles to put his stamp on the Eels roster when he begins his four-year tenure in the 2025 pre-season.
If that includes the captain stepping aside to give rising talent Blaize Talagi the fullback jersey to keep him at the club, Gutherson says he’ll do it.
“I honestly, couldn’t care less [where I play], I’ve said it my whole career. I just love playing, whether it’s off the bench, on the wing, anywhere. From the get-go I’ve always said I’ll move if the coach thinks it’s right,” Gutherson said.
“As I said, that’s another thing for the new staff to come in and sort of make a decision on. There’s a lot of older boys there that might get a tap on the shoulder, might not, it’s just the way it is, and you have to deal with it. I’m no different to every other player here, if they want me to move position I’m more than happy to.”
Talagi, an Eels junior who is considered a crucial part of the club’s future, is off contract at the end of the year and is considering his options. Parramatta have tabled a three-year deal to Talagi to keep him until 2027, but the Knights and Dragons are among other interested clubs.
Gutherson said Talagi “knows exactly how much he means to us and the club”, and retaining talent was crucial.
Eels captain Clint Gutherson expects incoming coach Jason Ryles to put his stamp on the club’s roster.Credit: Getty Images
“Blaize is great. Still learning the game, he’s only 18,19, so a long way to go in his career, but I think the more footy you play as a young kid, you need experience,” he said.
“It takes years to sort of come through and be a consistent first-grader every week and Blaize is no different. He does a lot of great things and is still learning a lot as well. We want to keep him. I want to keep him. He’s a great kid, a great player.
“As I said I’ll move, I’ll play another position, I’ll share it with him - whatever it has to be to keep him and he knows that, the club know that, and I’m sure ‘Rylesy’ does.”
Gutherson denied there was a divide between the team and management, after this masthead revealed halfback Mitchell Moses launched a dressing room tirade following their loss to Newcastle, but said that perception might have contributed to the club picking Ryles for the job.
Parramatta rising star Blaize Talagi.Credit: Getty Images
“It was a bit disappointing what came out the other week, but it’s the way footy is, it’s the way it works, it keeps the ball rolling,” Gutherson said.
“I think that might be another reason why the front office sort of led towards Rylesy because maybe he will be able to join them together, but it’s not a big movement, we get along really well with the front office and the higher ups.”
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