The Parramatta Eels have recently experienced significant changes in their playmaking roster, with the departures of two key figures: Clint Gutherson and Dylan Brown. These transitions mark a pivotal shift for the team as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming NRL season.
**Clint Gutherson’s Departure**
After nine seasons with the Eels, Clint Gutherson signed a three-year contract with the St. George Illawarra Dragons in November 2024. His exit followed the arrival of new head coach Jason Ryles and was influenced by the Eels’ decision to move in a different direction regarding the fullback position. Gutherson expressed no ill feelings towards the Eels, emphasizing his commitment to the Dragons and his desire to contribute to his new team’s success. citeturn0news20
The Parramatta Eels have recently experienced significant changes in their playmaking roster, with the departures of two key figures that have left the club reeling. Clint Gutherson and Dylan Brown, two of the most influential and dynamic players on the Eels’ roster, will be leaving the team, setting the stage for a major shift in the club’s future direction. These moves have sparked both concern and optimism, as fans and analysts wonder how the team will adapt to these significant losses.
### **Clint Gutherson’s Departure: A New Chapter for the Fullback**
Clint Gutherson, who has been an instrumental part of the Parramatta Eels for nearly a decade, will be leaving the club after nine seasons. Known for his leadership qualities, consistency, and attacking prowess, Gutherson’s departure marks the end of an era for the Eels.
In November 2024, it was confirmed that Gutherson had signed a three-year contract with the St. George Illawarra Dragons, making a move away from Parramatta. This decision came after the Eels’ coaching staff, under the new leadership of coach Jason Ryles, decided to go in a different direction regarding their fullback position. Although the Eels had hoped to retain Gutherson, the club’s desire to develop younger talent in the position led to his departure.
For Gutherson, leaving Parramatta after so many years was a difficult choice, but he expressed excitement about the future. In an emotional farewell, he mentioned that his heart would always be with the Eels, but that he was looking forward to a new challenge with the Dragons. His leadership and experience will be sorely missed, especially given the significant role he played in guiding the Eels through some of their most successful seasons in recent years.
Gutherson’s departure has left a void not only in the Eels’ backline but also in their leadership group. His ability to marshal the defense, organize attacking plays, and provide guidance on and off the field made him one of the key pillars of the team. The Eels now face the challenge of finding a new leader who can fill these huge shoes.
### **Dylan Brown’s Record-Breaking Move to the Knights**
In addition to Gutherson’s departure, the Eels were also dealt a significant blow with the announcement of Dylan Brown’s move to the Newcastle Knights. Brown, who had been with Parramatta since making his debut in 2019, has been an essential playmaker for the Eels, forming a formidable partnership with halfback Mitchell Moses.
In March 2025, Brown agreed to a record-breaking 10-year, $13 million contract with the Newcastle Knights, the largest contract ever signed in NRL history. This monumental deal has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, as it not only represents a significant financial commitment but also marks a major shift in Brown’s career trajectory.
The decision to leave Parramatta was not made lightly. Brown had become one of the most exciting and dynamic playmakers in the league, known for his ability to break through defenses, create try-scoring opportunities, and guide his team around the field. His decision to join the Knights came after the club offered him an unprecedented contract, one that would secure his future for the next decade.
While the Eels were keen to keep Brown on their books, the lure of such a lucrative offer, combined with the Knights’ ambitious plans for the future, proved to be irresistible. The loss of Brown represents a major setback for the Eels, as his combination with Moses had been one of the most dangerous in the NRL. His departure leaves a huge gap in the Eels’ playmaking structure, and the club will now have to find a way to replace his creativity and playmaking ability.
### **What’s Next for the Eels?**
The departures of Gutherson and Brown leave the Eels with significant holes to fill in their roster. For a team that had been on the cusp of greatness in recent seasons, these losses could prove to be a serious challenge. However, the Eels are not sitting idle. The club’s management has already begun making moves to strengthen the squad for the 2025 season and beyond.
One of the first steps taken by the Eels was the acquisition of Zac Lomax from the St. George Illawarra Dragons. Lomax, a skilled center with a strong attacking game, was signed in April 2024 as part of the club’s efforts to reinforce their backline. In addition to Lomax, the Eels made several other signings, including the likes of Isaiah Iongi, Dean Hawkins, Jack Williams, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, and Kitione Kautoga. These acquisitions are part of the club’s broader strategy to rebuild and strengthen their squad following the departure of key players like Gutherson and Brown.
While these signings are a positive step, the Eels will need to be strategic in replacing the playmaking abilities of both Gutherson and Brown. Losing two of their most creative players means that the team’s attacking structure will need to be reworked, and new partnerships will need to be formed.
In particular, Mitchell Moses will have to step up and take on an even larger leadership role within the team. As the primary halfback, Moses will now find himself tasked with orchestrating the attack and guiding the team around the field without the support of Brown, his long-time playmaking partner. The success of the Eels in the coming seasons will depend largely on how effectively Moses can rise to the challenge and how well the new recruits integrate into the team.
### **Fan Reaction and Future Outlook**
The Eels’ fanbase has been understandably disappointed by the departures of Gutherson and Brown. Both players had become fan favorites, and their contributions to the team’s recent successes cannot be overstated. The club’s faithful will undoubtedly miss their leadership, skill, and passion for the game.
However, there is also a sense of optimism surrounding the club’s future. The Eels’ management has been proactive in securing new talent, and the signings made in the wake of these departures suggest that the club is committed to building a competitive team for the future.
The next few seasons will be crucial for the Eels as they attempt to navigate this period of transition. How quickly the new players adapt to their roles and whether the team can maintain its competitive edge will be key factors in determining the Eels’ success moving forward.
In conclusion, while the loss of two key playmakers is undoubtedly a blow to the Parramatta Eels, the club has the resources and determination to rebuild and remain competitive. The departures of Clint Gutherson and Dylan Brown mark the end of an era, but they also signal the beginning of a new chapter in the Eels’ quest for NRL success. With the right adjustments and leadership, the team can overcome this setback and emerge stronger in the years to come.
**Dylan Brown’s Transition to the Newcastle Knights**
In March 2025, Dylan Brown, a pivotal playmaker for the Eels since his debut in 2019, agreed to a record-breaking 10-year, $13 million contract with the Newcastle Knights. This agreement, set to commence in 2026, is the richest in NRL history. Brown’s decision to leave Parramatta was influenced by the Knights’ substantial offer and their vision for his role within the team. His departure presents a significant challenge for the Eels, necessitating strategic adjustments to their playmaking structure. citeturn0news11
**Eels’ Strategic Adjustments**
The departures of Gutherson and Brown have left notable gaps in the Eels’ lineup. To address these vacancies, the club has been proactive in the transfer market. In April 2024, they secured the services of Zac Lomax from the St. George Illawarra Dragons, aiming to bolster their backline. Subsequent signings, including Isaiah Iongi, Dean Hawkins, Jack Williams, Josh Addo-Carr, Ronald Volkman, and Kitione Kautoga, reflect the Eels’ commitment to rebuilding and strengthening their squad for the forthcoming season. citeturn0search12
**Looking Ahead**
As the Eels embark on the 2025 season, the absence of Gutherson and Brown necessitates a period of adjustment. The club’s recent signings indicate a strategic focus on revitalizing the team and adapting to the evolving dynamics of the NRL. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the Eels navigate this transitional phase and whether their new acquisitions can seamlessly integrate into the team’s playmaking roles.
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