The length of Clint Gutherson’s tenure is the sticking point in the latest round of contractual negotiations with Parramatta as the club loses halves coach Andrew Johns to Newcastle.
The November 1 transfer deadline is fast approaching and some of the biggest names in rugby league will become free agents if they don’t agree terms with their current clubs before then.
Apisai Koroisau is a case in point: the Penrith hooker’s management has told the premiers he will throw himself on the open market on Monday to test his value if an extension beyond 2022 isn’t agreed before then.
Wests Tigers are one of several clubs interested in the services of the two-time premiership-winning rake, after their interest in Canberra’s Josh Hodgson cooled. While a deal could still be done with Hodgson if the parties can agree to a price, Koroisau is also on the joint-venture outfit’s radar.
Should Koroisau sign to the Tigers for 2023, that may prompt the Panthers to offer him an early release given the salary cap squeeze the club is facing to retain the likes of Viliame Kikau and Dylan Edwards.
Some relief could come if the Panthers opt to sack Tyrone May, with the board set to discuss his future at a meeting on Wednesday. However, the controversial utility’s friendship with superstar halfback Nathan Cleary may result in him being given one last chance.
Clint Gutherson is one of the marquee men off contract.Credit:Getty
The Eels are another club with big decisions to make. Gutherson headlines a raft of star players either off contract or with get-out clauses which could result in them being lost to rivals.
Reed Mahoney, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Junior Paulo, Dylan Brown, Ryan Matterson, Isaiah Papali’i, Jake Arthur, Marata Niukore, Oregon Kaufusi and Maika Sivo are just some of the topliners free to explore their options. However, the most sensitivity surrounds the negotiations with Gutherson.
Crunch time as Gutherson, Koroisau, Pearce and Johns decide futures
Source: Philippines Alive
