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Parramatta's decision to release Clint Gutherson from the final year of his contract will lead to the most significant player change at the Eels in six years.

Parramatta's Clint Gutherson era is effectively over, after the club agreed to release their captain from the final year of his contract.

Gutherson is expected to join St George Illawarra on a three-year deal as early as this week, as the latest domino to fall in the NRL's off-season transfer market.

The Eels fullback will likely take up the spot created in the Dragons' salary cap by Ben Hunt's exit, with Parramatta not expected to carry any of his wages.

The move will also raise questions over the future of Tyrell Sloan, who has long been viewed as the Red V's fullback of the next generation.

But the changes are even more significant at Parramatta.

Gutherson has been an Eels captain or co-captain since the start of 2018, and one of the most influential players at the club both on and off the field.

The 30-year-old was particularly close with former coach Brad Arthur, and was a big part of Parramatta's ride to the 2022 grand final.

But the club culture has come under question in the past year, with calls for change following Arthur's sacking.

In the space of a month, the Eels have now released senior and influential players in Gutherson and prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard

Winger Maika Sivo has also been let go to join Arthur at Leeds in the Super League.

Those decisions are expected to free up close to $2 million of salary cap space for new coach Jason Ryles, with the chance to make an immediate impact for 2025.

Parramatta also have 13 players off contract or with options in their deals at the end of 2025, meaning they become free agents as soon as Friday.

Ryles had already indicated on-field change had loomed for next season, with Gutherson told he would move out of the No.1 jersey to accommodate youngster Isaiah Iongi's arrival from Penrith.