Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson is disappointed that his club wasn’t able to keep hold of a number of players in free agency this off-season.
While Reed Mahoney, Isaiah Papali’i and Marata Niukore have all signed elsewhere for 2023, Gutherson says they’re still “fully committed” for next season as the Eels look to advance deep into September.
Despite the pending departures, Gutherson was proud of how they all conducted their business.
“It’s disappointing to see players go, but the best teams get their players taken," Gutherson told The Daily Telegraph.
“Those boys have done a wonderful job up to this stage.
“There’s still one more year to go for them and they’re all fully committed.
“They told us their decision before it was out in the media what they were doing.
“They spoke on Wednesday about where they want to be and how they want to leave this club."
Gutherson was another Eel that wasn’t signed beyond 2023, but he decided to stay on a three-year deal reportedly worth $2.3 million.
He says he wanted to get the deal done as soon as possible as he always wanted to remain in blue and gold.
“I wanted to stay. I always said that,” Gutherson said.
“I didn’t want it to drag out, I wanted it done before I got back to training.
“These things take time to fit exactly where the player and club want to be.
“I’m really happy to be staying for another few years and to lead this club into what I know will be a good period.
“We’ve all got one goal and I’m going out there every single day to try and better myself to be there on grand final day when it comes.
“Over the last five years I feel I’ve really grown as a player and a leader and if I continue to do that over the next few years here, we’re going to be in a very good spot."
The fullback will be hoping to lead his team to greater heights in 2022 after they fell in a semi-final last season to eventual premiers Penrith.