Jason Ryles floats radical Clint Gutherson position switch amid Parramatta Eels shake-up
Gutherson may pull on the No.13 jersey next year as Ryles looks to deploy the Eels captain in a utility role.
Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson could run out in jersey No.13 in 2025 as Jason Ryles plans to deploy the veteran in a hybrid role moving forward. Earlier this week the Eels made it clear they want to keep Gutherson at the club beyond next season when his current deal ends.
However, his days at fullback are numbered. While it had been widely speculated that the 29-year-old may be moved into the centres next season, a switch into the forward pack now looms for the Eels skipper.
News Corp reports incoming Parramatta coach Ryles has a plan to use Gutherson in a roaming role, similar to that of Dylan Walker at the Warriors. That would either see Gutherson deployed as an unconventional lock or for him to come off the bench in a utility role similar to that of Tyran Wishart at the Storm.
Gutherson is only 29 but his body is starting to show signs of slowing down, with his acceleration and mobility on the decline. This was on full display when Tristan Sailor easily breezed past Gutherson last weekend when they were one-on-one.
Gutherson has been carrying an injury in 2024 after undergoing surgery on his knee back in April and was clearly hampered in his attempt to stop Sailor, unable to hit full speed despite his desperate attempt to bring to ground the Broncos No.1. But despite Gutherson's defensive effort standing out, the captain also had a hand in almost everything good Parramatta did showing his worth and giving Ryles an idea that he could be best utilised in a roving role next season.
Ryles floated the plan to Gutherson this week and it is understood he was receptive to the positional switch and his new proposed role. It is expected new recruit Isaiah Iongi will slot into the fullback role next season after Blaize Talagi opted to join the Panthers. While new signing Zac Lomax will come straight into the side and play either on the wing or in the centres, providing the side with some serious strike power.
Will Penisini considers his options amid Eels shake-up
Will Penisini is a player the Eels and Ryles would be desperate to retain, given the fact the 22-year-old has been a shining light of Parramatta's junior programs in recent years and is seen as a long-term star at the club. In recent months other top talent from the Eels junior program have been poached and there is growing fears that Penisini may also head for the exit door.
Talagi opted to make the switch to the Panthers despite the Eels' No.1 jersey being his if he stayed. While young half Ethan Sanders was lured away by Canberra and hooker Matt Arthur to Newcastle after his father's axing. Penisini shares a manager with Talagi in Isaac Moses, and there are already questions on whether he will activate the option to stay on for 2026 or leave as a free agent at the end of 2025.
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The centre said he hasn't made any decision on his future and won't until he sees the new outlook of the team under Ryles. "You base your decision on change," Penisini told AAP earlier this month.
"They're all good changes. This facility that is going up is going to be amazing. And Rylesy bringing a fresh crew as well. I can't wait for it. I am excited. My footy will take care of that decision (too) ... Once that starts to happen and unfold, that decision, I have a while to make it."
