The Eels’ head coach Jason Ryles has dismissed criticism surrounding Parramatta’s choice to release former skipper Clint Gutherson.
Currently, the Eels are struggling with a 0-4 start to the season, and they are set to meet Gutherson’s Dragons for the first time this upcoming weekend.
Throughout the pre-season, Gutherson has been a key player for the Dragons, much like he was for Parramatta, and he significantly contributed to the team’s unexpected victory against the Storm last Saturday.
Eels coach Jason Ryles with former fullback Clint Gutherson. Getty/NRL Photos
During a media briefing on Friday, Ryles expressed his disagreement with the criticism but acknowledged that “everyone is entitled to their opinion”.
“We’re just getting started in our journey,” he mentioned.
“It’s natural for discussions to arise, especially concerning a player of his calibre who has contributed so much to the club over many years.”
“However, we are confident and quite optimistic about our direction moving forward.”
Clint Gutherson maintained a prominent role for the Eels before transferring to the Dragons. NRL Photos
Ryles acknowledged the club’s gratitude for all Gutherson has done, emphasising that he would simply be “another player we need to contend with” this Saturday.
This match is of added importance for both Ryles and Zac Lomax.
Lomax previously played 114 matches for the Red V before moving to Parramatta as a centre.
Ryles also has history with the Dragons, having played 156 matches, and in 2023, he declined a four-year contract offer to become head coach.
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He stated that he has no regrets about rejecting the role that ultimately went to Shane Flanagan.
“I’m not going to accept a position close to home if it doesn’t feel like the right match,” Lomax shared.
“It was one of those situations. I wasn’t rushing into it. It all came down to timing.
“But that’s behind us now, and we’ll keep pushing forward with what I’m currently doing here.”
The Eels will receive a boost with the addition of former Warrior Dylan Walker, who has been named on the bench.
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