Eels get 'first crack' at signing Gutherson

Parramatta Eels skipper Clint Gutherson has indicated he will give the club "first crack" at retaining his services after opening talks to extend his time at the club.

Gutherson said there was no timeframe around a decision on his future with the Eels fullback free to negotiate with rival clubs if he chooses throughout the year.

The 24-year-old hasn't missed a game since returning to the paddock from an ACL injury in round six last season but leads a long list of Eels players off-contract at season's end.

"I'll give Parramatta the first crack, I'll talk to them, I've been talking to them, it's not like I've left them out in the cold," Gutherson said on Monday.

"I've been here for four years now. I like the joint and want to stay but I've got to keep playing footy. I think everyone wants a long-term deal but I'll see how it pans out and what happens.

"That's for Sammy [Gutherson's agent Sam Ayoub], Mark [Eels general manager Mark O'Neill] and the club to sort out."

Gutherson told Inside the NRL last week the future of Eels coach Brad Arthur would play a pivotal role in deciding his future.

Arthur's future at the club is set to be decided by the middle of the season, giving the under-pressure coach a genuine chance at lifting the Eels into a stable position on the ladder with the support of crowds at the soon-to-be-opened stadium.

I'll give Parramatta the first crack, I'll talk to them, I've been talking to them

Eels fullback Clint Gutherson on his future

"I get along with Brad well, I think he's a great coach and brings the best out of me personally as a player," Gutherson said.

"They've put a guideline when they're going to look at that. Loyalty is very important to me as a person so that will play a major factor."

The Eels remained upbeat at training on Monday despite their 14-point loss to premiers the Roosters on Friday night.

The side will host their final game at ANZ Stadium against Cronulla on Saturday night before they prepare for their maiden appearance at the Bankwest Stadium on April 22.

"You definitely won't miss it," Gutherson said of the Sydney Olympic Park venue.

"We had about 15,000 on the weekend but it still seemed so empty still. When we get [to Bankwest] and have 15,000 it will seem full. I'm looking forward to that, it's in the middle of Parramatta and everyone can get around it."