Official LIVE: last words! Clint Gutherson publicly drops direct love text to Eels die hard fans on this day’ as he tearfully finally enters the exodus room” It’s been an absolute privilege to wear the blue and gold” the Eels captain continues” here is his full message….

Official LIVE: last words! Clint Gutherson publicly drops direct love text to Eels die hard fans on this day’ as he tearfully finally enters the exodus room” It’s been an absolute privilege to wear the blue and gold” the Eels captain continues” here is his full message….

Clint Gutherson, who was officially released from Parramatta on Thursday following weeks of uncertainty about his future, has agreed to a huge contract with St George Illawarra to play fullback for them next season.

As he approached the last season of his contract, the Eels informed their captain that if he stayed, he would be moved to a utility role in 2025 and that he may look for other choices.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is ready to pounce after the club released halfback Ben Hunt last week although Gutherson is unlikely to replace his fellow Origin representative as skipper.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to wear the blue and gold,” he said in a statement issued by Parramatta.

“The support from the fans over the last nine years has been overwhelming, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunities the club has given me to grow as a player and a person. I will always cherish my time at the Eels and the relationships I’ve built along the way.”

New coach Jason Ryles they “would have liked Clint to be part of our squad in 2025, but we respect his desire to explore new opportunities and believe it’s important to support him in what he feels is best for his career”.

Gutherson has been offered a $2.5 million deal until the end of 2027 by the Dragons and he will slot into the No.1 jersey with Tyrell Sloan shifted to the wing slot vacated by Zac Lomax after he switched to Parramatta.

Unless they decide to try Gutherson in the halves with Kyle Flanagan, the Dragons still need to sign an established playmaker for next season following Hunt’s acrimonious exit.

They have added Souths hooker Damien Cook, who is tipped to take over the captaincy, and Cowboys star Valentine Holmes while Jack Bird has joined Wests Tigers and fellow utility Max Feagai is now a Dolphin.