SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 21: Parramatta Eels Chairman, Sean McElduff (L) and Parramatta Eels CEO, Jim Sarantinos (R) speak to the media during a Parramatta Eels NRL press conference at Kellyville Park on May 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. The Parramatta Eels sacked their coach Brad Arthur yesterday after 11 seasons at the club. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)
What A catastrophe: Eels CEO Jim Sarantino” is really going insane” another strange $80,000 Exodus has been declined after his Ridiculous action…
With forward Charlie Guymer asking to leave the Parramatta Eels, things are only getting worse for the team.
The young forward, if he is allowed to leave, would join Matt Arthur, who hasn’t found a new team, Ethan Sanders, who is heading to the Canberra Raiders next season, and Blaize Talagi, who is probably going to sign with the Panthers, in what is quickly turning into a disaster for the Eels.
Guymer, who is regarded as one of the best young forwards in the game, just agreed to an improved contract with the Eels earlier this year, one that would keep him under contract until at least the end of the 2026 NRL season. After that, he would be placed on the development list for the following year and move up to the Top 30.
In his debut season as a member of the Top 30, he would have made $140,000, while a development player would have made $80,000. Guymer had requested a release from the club through his management, according to a report from News Corp. on Thursday. However, the club has now swiftly replied, stating that Guymer will remain until the end of 2026.
“Last week, his management asked the Club for permission to hold talks with other Clubs. Charlie’s future is very important to the Club, and this request was turned down,” the club stated in a letter.
The Club has been in regular contact with Charlie directly including this afternoon, and he has assured us that his position is unchanged and he is fully committed to the Parramatta Eels.”
CEO Jim Sarantino said it was disappointing the situation had played out publicly for the injured forward.
“It’s disappointing that Charlie has been dragged into this publicly especially as he is recovering after surgery on Monday,” Sarantino said.
We have spoken to him this afternoon and he has confirmed his commitment to the Club and reiterated his excitement in being a part of the Club’s future.”
A forward with enormous potential, the intial report suggested Guymer has asked for a release after up to six clubs contacted his manager Anthony Field following his NRL debut.
Field said it was former coach Brad Arthur who had convinced him to re-sign, and that six clubs called Field after Guymer’s NRL debut.
“It was Brad Arthur who convinced him to sign for two more years,” Field told the publication.
Brad sold him the vision but it’s changed now.
“This isn’t about Jason Ryles because they’ve had a good meeting.”
It’s understood Guymer is upset over Matt Arthur, Talagi and Sanders exiting.
The latest revelation is likely to heap more concern on Parramatta’s call to axe the former coach. His son has been given a release on compassionate grounds, believed to be directly tied to his father’s treatment at the hands of the club, while next year’s star recruit Zac Lomax also wanted a clause tied to Arthur in his deal with the club before being knocked back.
