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Gutherson, Mannah prefer Parramatta extensions

Clint Gutherson and Tim Mannah are keen to extend their time at the Eels.

Published by
Stephen Marson

Parramatta duo Clint Gutherson and Tim Mannah are both off-contract at the end of the 2019 season, but both are playing to play on for the Eels in 2020 and beyond.

Gutherson has played 64 of his 69 first grade games for the Eels, and the 24-year-old is keep to extend his stay at the club beyond the current season, although he understands that's a conversation for manager Sam Ayoub and the Eels' head of football Mark O'Neill.

"I’ll give Parramatta first crack. I’ll talk to them first, I’ve been talking to them, it’s not like I have just left them out in the cold," Gutherson told SMH.com.au.

"That’s for Sammy and for Mark and for the rest of the club to sort out.

"I just have to keep playing footy and it will sort itself out sooner, rather than later."

Gutherson will have no shortage of rival suitors, although if possible it looks as though Parramatta is the place he wants to be.

"It’s pretty hard, I think in any job it’s pretty hard," Gutherson said.

"That’s what the managers, what Mark and the team are here for – to try and sort that out.

"It plays a part but you just have to sit down and have a long think about it.

"Loyalty is very important to me, so that will play a major factor."

Mannah, on the other hand, bleeds blue and gold, having played 226 games since debuting for the Eels back in round one, 2009.

The 31-year-old veteran doesn't want to think about pulling on another team's jersey, but does understand he might be forced to if Parramatta fails to extend his contract.

"I would rather not [think about leaving] but it’s a possibility if I have to," Mannah said.

"Ideally this would be my first, second, third and fourth choice but I am also willing to look elsewhere.

"I have been playing footy long enough to realise that it is a business as well.

"As much as I love the fairytale stories, I have seen boys move on and do things that I probably wouldn’t have preferred to do.

"I’m not going to limit myself to one club if that’s the only option."

Published by
Stephen Marson