Eels grant Gutherson permission to speak to rival clubs immediately

Parramatta have granted Clint Gutherson permission to negotiate with rival clubs immediately after the Eels informed their captain they were not in a position to offer him an extension.Eels coach Jason Ryles and general manager Mark O’Neill met with Gutherson and his agent Sam Ayoub on Thursday morning to discuss the veteran’s future at the club.Ayoub had been seeking clarity from the Eels around their position on Gutherson, who will become a free agent on November 1.The Eels retierated their desire to use Gutherson in a utility/roaming role next year and because of the uncertainty around how it would work, were unable to make him an offer.The Eels want to see how Gutherson performs in the role before they can put a contract value or length of term together.The Eels have subsequently given Ayoub permission to begin negotiations with rival clubs immediately and not wait until November.Eels captain Clint Gutherson expects incoming coach Jason Ryles to put his stamp on the…