With the news that Clint Gutherson has been given permission to speak to other clubs for the 2026 season, it is clear the Eels are well into planning for his successor.
As good as Gutherson has been across his career, there's no doubt he's been cashing cheques his body can't pay. He played the back end of this season with broken ribs and a torn quad, last season with a severely damaged meniscus and the season before with a broken hand. He's also constantly carried injuries and played through the pain barrier.
Jason Ryles has hinted at a different role for him and likely reduced minutes to lower some of the toll on his body while bringing through fresh blood.
The recruitment of Isaiah Iongi points to that succession plan.
While there are concerns given his relative lack of NRL experience with just the one game of top grade under his belt, he is not inexperienced in NSW Cup.
With 59 games on his record and turning 22 next year, he's not as fresh-faced and inexperienced as you'd expect.
Were he at a less competitive club or one where another ironman in the form of Dylan Edwards didn't play, he'd probably have at least half a season of first grade or more to his name.
Anyone who saw his debut or watched him in the lower grades knows he brings a different skillset to that of Clint Gutherson. Iongi has quick footwork, with speed off the mark and his first preference is to run the ball.
He has worked on his pass selection, contributing 9 try assists for the Panthers in the 2024 season.
The Eels have long needed a point of difference in their spine and while they have the attacking brilliance of Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses, the pair have hardly played together over the past 2 seasons.
With Iongi chiming in from the back and Zach Lomax in the form of his life, the Eels could potentially have one of their most dangerous backlines in years.
So, would you be playing Iongi at fullback from the start in 2025, or is it Gutherson's jersey to lose?
Replies
This latest news shows us that it's 100% Iongi's position now.
However there are a few caveats.
1) If Iongi struggles I think you'll see Lomax there asap.
2) If Gutho stays I reckon he'll play 10+ games at FB. It's a long and brutal season after all.
Interesting times. If we free up Gutho's cash it opens up a world of possibilities.
Good point Mutts. Iongi is seasoned as a senior Fullback but FG is a different beast in terms of body fatigue. Iongi will feel it in his first full season in top grade. That is where bringing some Fullbacks on the Wing suits to get them prepared for the rigors of FG.
Joash Papali'i link could also have them interchange at Fullback also. At least Iongi would not be like say Dylan Brown at 18 where he got stress fractures due to his body not being ready for full NRL season. Iongi is 21 and has had plenty of football against men. So his body though not 100% ready it is a lot more ready than most rookies.
It's now in the club's best interests that Gutherson goes asap. The latest media storm against this club is absolutely unacceptable. He couldn't wait another fortnight to start negotiations? , for this captain it has to be back page top story news.
Good riddance Gutherson
i think people are being harsh on gutho. We all dont go to work for free or for the love of it. He has a young family and he has limited time to secure there future. He is well within his right to command top dollar. Whether he gets it is totally up to him and his expectations.
Yes but go and negotiate with other clubs sure, but don't use the media as leverage against the club - especially as a captain.
Wait until Nov 1, then negotiate. This is nothing but a leverage to gain advantage
He's the captain - act like a captain
SO if you were selling your house, would you want the realestate agent to work for the seller or the buyer? Wouldnt you want the agent to get you the best price possible? It No different.
From the sounds of it, the club was the one that tipped the journos off. And they've confirmed it. I don't see any issue. We're talking a couple of weeks difference here.
I don't see any benefits for the club tipping the journos. Do the club really need Gutherson's contract negotiations to drag on forever, unless they know he's most likely going straight away.
Well either way it was going to be in the media. One thing you do not want is Ryles dealing with that question week in week out about Gutho. He will have about Moses towards the end of the year with his options and free to talk November 1. Club more likely just getting a head start and saying "This is what he is doing, we leave it at that". Of course there will still be discussions about it but not as much as if we all don't know what is happening.
Actually it's in the clubs best interests to tip the journos. Gutherson has been told he will not be re-signed past '25, he has been given permission to negotiate elsewhere, the club has now put it out there for other clubs to come knocking. The only negotiating to be done now is how much we chip in.its in Guthersons best interests, financially, to leave, leaving it another year severely lessens his pulling power.
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