Isaiah Iongi has declared he is ready to fill the Clint Gutherson-sized hole at the Parramatta Eels in 2025. Iongi inked a transfer deal from four-time reigning premiers the Penrith Panthers to the Parramatta Eels, which will see him in the blue and gold jersey until 2027. Having made only appearance in the NRL, the 21-year-old has been tasked to take over from Gutherson in the No.1 jersey. Gutherson was granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs by the Eels on Thursday after the club informed him they wouldn't be offering a contract extension beyond 2025. The Dragons currently lead the race to steal the fullback's signature, with speculation rife that Gutherson may have already played his last game for the Eels. Despite the significant weight of the task ahead of him, Iongi is confident he is fit to fulfil the role. "I feel like I am (ready)," he told The Sydney Morning Herald. "Obviously that's the goal. You've got to work for it. I'll get a good pre-season under my belt at Parra, that will help me build the confidence with them. "There is always going to be challenges and expectations anywhere. It's all part of the game, it's all about how you handle it." Iongi revealed a conversation with incoming coach Jason Ryles was the turning point in his decision to exit Penrith. "I'm looking forward to working with him," he said. "Like every other club, 'you have to work for the spot and put in your all to get the opportunity for yourself'. That's what he said to me." The Queenslander praised the experiences and knowledge taught by Dylan Edwards, who he was stuck behind in the Panthers squad, for his success. "To learn from Dyl and then go to Parramatta and learn from him as well, it puts me in a good situation for my future career," Iongi said. "I can look at what they have in the game to put it in mine." Iongi will return on the international stage with Tonga in the coming days as he faces Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific Championships.
