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Dylan Brown's classy act for Clint Gutherson after sad Eels exit amid veteran's family move

The former Eels captain left the club in bizarre circumstances at the end of the season.

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·4-min read

New Dragons recruit Clint Gutherson has revealed former teammate Dylan Brown reached out to him with a heartwarming message after his shock exit from the Eels as he attempts to move his family closer to Woolongong. The Former Parramatta captain stunned Eels fans when it was confirmed he would be making the switch to the Dragons after incoming coach Jason Ryles arrived.

The former Melbourne and Roosters assistant has made major changes to the struggling Eels squad since arriving at the end of the season having let Gutherson and Regan Campbell-Gillard walk out the door. Blaize Talagi also signed for the Penrith Panthers, which has made it even harder for the new Eels coach to turn around the club's fortunes.

Clint Gutherson (pictured left with wife) has revealed former teammate Dylan Brown (pictured middle right) reached out to him after his Eels exit as he looks to find a home for his family in Wollongong. (Getty Images)
Clint Gutherson (pictured left with wife) has revealed former teammate Dylan Brown (pictured middle right) reached out to him after his Eels exit as he looks to find a home for his family in Wollongong. (Getty Images)

However, fans particularly felt the exit of 'King' Gutho with their captain and fullback clearly uncertain about his position in the No.1 role anymore. And Shane Flanagan didn't take long to react and sign the representative back to join the Dragons.

Gutherson has hit the ground running at the Dragons having already been touted as the captain of the 2025 side. Gutherson's move closer to Wollongong for pre-season and originally left his family behind - before moving them closer - to show his commitment to the Dragons.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Clint Gutherson of the Eels runs onto the field during the round 14 NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium, on June 10, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Clint Gutherson of the Eels runs onto the field during the round 14 NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels at Accor Stadium, on June 10, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

And as a true leader, Gutherson has claimed he feels no bad feelings towards anyone at the Eels. This is despite his unfortunate exit a sad ending after showing nothing but dedication to the club. And in a touching act, Gutherson revealed former teammate Brown reached out to him and praised the 30-year-old for his class during his time in leadership.

“Dylan probably doesn’t even remember what I look like,” Gutherson joked at Dragons training. “But seriously, it’s something special to know that you left something there and you always just want to leave the club and a jersey in a better spot and if I’ve done that I’ve done my job.

“But look they’re a great club. They’re going to be going forward as well and I’m here now, they’re there, so this is where we stand and I’m looking forward.”

Speaking on Friday about his exit, Gutherson admitted he had accepted it was his time to leave the Eels and is ready to tackle the new season and reinvigorate his career. “I’ve got no ill feelings towards anyone at Parramatta,” he said on Friday.

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“Some of those people involved at the club are some of my closest friends and people that I’ll always be able to talk to. Not a tiny little bit of me has any remorse or hate towards anyone there. It’s a fresh start here and it’s special. On day one I was very nervous coming into training for the first time in a long time.”

Gutherson said he was still looking to move his family into a permanent home in Wollongong to make them more settled. The 30-year-old fullback has already been down in Wollongong for a number of weeks, but has only just recently helped his family move into an AirBnB to be closer together. "I am down in the Wollongong at the moment and trying to find a place for me and the family to live. So once I am in I am in," he said recently.

Clint Gutherson thanks the fans.
Clint Gutherson (pictured) left the Parramatta Eels to join the Dragons.

Gutherson has been confirmed as the fullback for round 1 if fit, which leaves Tyrell Sloan in limbo. Although Flanagan admitted Sloan was willing to learn under Gutherson and bide his time.

"I've spoken to Tyrell and 'Gutho' is only going to help him develop," he said. "When I had discussions with Tyrell I could feel a bit of excitement in his voice when we told him (Gutherson) was coming, which was surprising.

"He hasn't had that mentor in our backline who can teach him. Sometimes it's great to hear it from another player. Tyrell is going to play fullback, wing, maybe even centre because he's a quality young players. He'll develop and hopefully with Gutho here, he'll develop a little bit quicker." While Flanagan is excited by his new fullback, the coach admitted they are in sudden search for a new halfback after the exit of Hunt.