NRL TRANSFERS: Parramatta Eels skipper Clint Gutherson to join St George Illawarra Dragons after Ben Hunt

Clint Gutherson is set to sign a three-year deal with the Dragons with news that he has been released by Parramatta coming a day after St George Illawarra’s shock move to terminate Ben Hunt’s $1 million contract.

Gutherson was facing a positional switch from fullback under new coach Jason Ryles at the Eels and the decision to release him was made at a Parramatta board meeting on Wednesday night weeks after the club told him he was free to talk to rival clubs.

The Eels captain, on a contract of $850,000 and with one year remaining, is expected to stay at fullback with the Dragons and could sign with them as early as this week.

Hunt, in what was viewed as a dig at coach Shane Flanagan had suggested Gutherson could play at five-eighth for the Dragons - a role filled by Flanagan’ son Kyle.

The move will also raise questions over the future of Tyrell Sloan, who has long been viewed as the Red V’s fullback of the next generation.

But the changes are even more significant at Parramatta.

Gutherson has been an Eels captain or co-captain since the start of 2018, and one of the most influential players at the club both on and off the field.

The 30-year-old was particularly close with former coach Brad Arthur, and was a big part of Parramatta’s ride to the 2022 grand final.

But the club culture has come under question in the past year, with calls for change following Arthur’s sacking.

In the space of a month, the Eels have now released senior and influential players in Gutherson and prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Winger Maika Sivo has also been let go to join Arthur at Leeds in the Super League.

Those decisions are expected to free up close to $2 million of salary cap space for new coach Jason Ryles, with the chance to make an immediate impact for 2025.

Parramatta also have 13 players off contract or with options in their deals at the end of 2025, meaning they become free agents as soon as Friday.

Ryles had already indicated on-field change had loomed for next season, with Gutherson told he would move out of the No.1 jersey to accommodate youngster Isaiah Iongi’s arrival from Penrith.

with AAP