Parramatta have suffered another body blow with the news that Clint Gutherson is to miss over a month of footy after having minor surgery on his knee.

The fullback had been playing through the problem, requiring fluid to be drained from his knee, and the club has chosen to act now rather than prolong the issue.

He limped out of their final game of 2023 with a knee problem that also required surgery, making this his second in less than a year.

The Eels have the bye this weekend and so can wait on naming a replacement, but it is likely that rookie Blaize Talagi will slot in. He featured in NSW Cup at fullback before earning a shot in the NRL.

Parramatta are now without Gutherson and halfback Mitch Moses for a crucial period that includes the visit of the Broncos straight after the bye and a clash with Melbourne at Magic Round.

Souths set for Demetriou call as Ilias offered exit
South Sydney have given Lachlan Ilias permission to look elsewhere, as the NRL confirmed it had the power to block any attempt by Latrell Mitchell to skip State of Origin.

In what looms as a crucial week for the Rabbitohs, general manager Mark Ellison has flown to England to finalise a deal with St Helens halfback Lewis Dodd for next year.

That has had immediate flow-on effects, with the Rabbitohs granting permission for Ilias to look elsewhere for 2025.

Dropped after two rounds this year, Ilias broke his leg while playing reserve grade this month.

But after being prioritised as South Sydney’s long-term halfback over Adam Reynolds two and a half years ago, it is unlikely he will see out the final year of his contract in 2025.