A frustrated Clint Gutherson says he's been hurt at being labelled greedy over ongoing speculation around his future at Parramatta beyond the 2019 Telstra Premiership season.
Gutherson's long-term future has been dragged through the headlines over the past month, intensifying with every reported contract movement made by the 24-year-old off the paddock.
Gutherson refuted a Channel Nine report on Wednesday claiming the Eels skipper was due to meet Des Hasler to discuss the prospect of linking with Manly from 2020.
"I am very sick of it," Gutherson said on Thursday.
"It's never nice to be in the headlines, being seen as greedy hurts and hurts everyone close to it. Every fan takes it a different way, my family takes it a different way and everyone close to me take it a different way.
"It's a very serious time of my life, it sets up the rest of my life and I've got to take a look at it every way I can and do what's best for me and my family.
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"It takes time and is a big part of my life. It's my career and I've got to take it seriously."
Gutherson conceded he was initially upset by the Eels' first offer after giving him and his manager Sam Ayoub an indication he was a priority re-signing at the club.
The Cromer junior dismissed talk he planned to meet with Hasler as a way of bumping up the Eels' latest offer.
"To be brutally honest yes it did hurt but to go out about it that way might have put me on the wrong path," Gutherson said.
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"But it's part of the job and you've got to run with it. I haven't met with Des, I saw that on the news.
"I haven't spoken to Sam since after the game on Sunday. I want it done just as much as everyone here."
The uncertain future of Eels coach Brad Arthur seemed to irk Gutherson the most when openly talking to the media at a session on Thursday.
He indicated the growing speculation on his own deal couldn't drag on into the second half of the season.
"I don't know, they stated earlier in the season they were going to wait until the end of the year but I don't want this to hang around until then," Gutherson said of Arthur's deal.
"He's a massive part, I've stated he's the reason I come here. I love Brad, his family and what he's about in life and footy. It's a big part but has nothing to do with me, it's up to the club.
"The sooner that gets sorted maybe it can help."
Parramatta will be looking to bounce back from their upset loss in Newcastle last weekend when they host St George Illawarra at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday.
Replies
Gutho, you need to pull your manager into line because these stories don't start from anywhere else except the manager.
I agree. I shouldn't be Guthos durasiticion to this, his manager should know better. But its unfair on Gutho getting his name and reputation dragged through the mud by the media, so maybe it is at the point where Gutho needs to tell his manager to pull his head in.
Yep. I hope Gutho sacks his manager after this. He has potentially lost a lot more than just 50k per year from this fiasco. Contracts invariably get upgraded for loyal players who show consistent improvement, and the salary cap will increase over the next few years giving room for upgrades. Add to that Gutho's huge marketability in the Parramatta region leading to potential TPAs down the track. Not sure if the club (and local businesses) will take too kindly to the past month's circus, led by Ayoub. I would not trust Ayoub to do anything at all in his client's best interest - everything Ayoub does is for himself.
I think it would be good if Gutho agreed to terms with the club without Agrub being there to negotiate with him. Only thing is can Gutho change managers at this point of time as there is usally contracts between him and the agent.
The reports are that the next TV deal will be less than the previous one. Clubs have been warned that the salary likely WON'T increase. Hence why clubs like the eels are being cautious with how they spend their money.
Absolutely Phil. Excellently said. As a leader in name, Gutho needs to show leadership in deed.
It also shows the consequences of playing the game work both ways. And it shows he was also aware of the effect media was having, before it got to him.
At least Gutho has finally spoken up and said something instead of hiding behind Ayoub and media spiel. That's something. And this is a step in the right direction. Where he finally finds his feet is another matter.
Tell me about it!
This sob story is straight from the same source. Really disappointed in Gutho again for this. Stop dragging the club through the papers Gutho - talk footy or simply shut up.
This is just more of the circus. Who do you think organised this article? The same manager who organised all the other articles. They obviously realised this was damaging his brand so they've gone into sob story damage control.
Not buying it Gutho. You control this circus, either keep it private or end it. I'm over it and it's now sucking oxygen from our season.
Don't understand how Ayoub was expecting the fans to get on Gutho's side and pressure the club in giving what Gutherson wants. He's a nobody playerwise. Acheived nothing is his career so far. No titles, no representative football. He's not even in the top 4 fullbacks in the comp (Tedesco, Tommy, RTS, Ponga all better)
I agree, not to mention a huge health risk...because he has done both ACL on both knees, higher risk for it to happen again...not worth 4yrs or 3yrs...2yr contracts only
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