Parramatta fullback Clint Gutherson expects new coach Jason Ryles to make significant changes next season. Former Eels coach Brad Arthur replaces Blaize Talagi, who was officially released this week.
Despite the loss of Blaize Talagi, the Parramatta Eels are actively seeking a long-term replacement for the fullback position.
Talagi announced his departure from Parramatta at the conclusion of 2024, and all indications are that he will join the Penrith Panthers.
They can’t announce the transaction yet, but it’s expected to happen by the end of next week, once the ten-day cooling off period expires.
Talagi is widely regarded as the best long-term alternative for Clint Gutherson at Parramatta. The Eels’ skipper has been mentioned as a potential to depart the fullback position as early as next year, as his body may be unable to keep up with the demands of the number one jumper.
Parramatta had a shortage of outside backs, so the change made sense. New coach Jason Ryles was reportedly interested in retaining Talagi.
His late withdrawal means the Eels have missed out on a number of possible signings and may now shift their focus elsewhere.
According to a report by News Corp, Ryan Papenhuyzen is one of the athletes they are targeting.
The star Storm custodian, now 26 years old, grew up in the area, and it’s widely known that the Storm is dealing with a wage cap crisis due to the number of high-profile, big-money contracts they now have in place.
Papenhuyzen, who has struggled with injuries over the last 24 months, has 84 games under his belt in the NRL and is currently signed with the men in purple until at least the end of 2025.
That means his $800,000 per year contract must be renewed by November 1 if the Storm do not want him to go to market.
The club is expected to try to re-sign Papenhuyzen, but there is no certainty. With Sua Fa’alogo and Nick Meaney on their roster, Melbourne may choose to trim costs on Papenhuyzen’s future.
Parramatta’s wage cap position is up in the air, and as usual, it appears to be held hostage by a number of players with future contract options, including Talagi.
There is little doubt that the blue and gold might make a serious offer for Papenhuyzen beginning in early 2026 if he remains unsigned by November 1st.
Thur’s power game relied on forwards making large runs through the center, then handing it off to Gutherson, Moses, and Brown for close-range attacks.
However, with Arthur gone and the Eels lacking a particular style, Gutherson feels Ryles will mix things up and modernize their brand of football. “I believe we need to modernise. We missed the finals last year, and we’re on the wrong end again this year,” Gutherson explained. “The results definitely speak for themselves: we need to adapt our style since we haven’t been playing finals football.
