Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson has finally re-signed with the NRL club after agreeing on a three-year extension.
The decision finally ends weeks of speculation over his long-term future, which reached fever pitch this week when the Eels supposedly set a deadline of Friday.
"I love the club and our loyal fans, I love playing the game and I love my teammates so I'm very happy I'm staying," Gutherson said in a short statement.
The announcement comes in the same week coach Brad Arthur also re-signed until the end of 2021, boosting hopes of Gutherson also re-committing.
"I love coaching Clint, the energy and commitment he brings to work every day is unparalleled," Arthur said.
"His teammates look up to him and he sets a great example to the whole playing squad, I'm very happy he's staying."
The re-signing also comes a day after Gutherson rubbished talk he was holding out for a four-year deal for fear of his body breaking down again.
The 24-year-old, who was heavily linked with a move back to Manly, now joins front-rower Junior Paulo as the only Eels signed on until 2022.
"It's a good time for the club," Gutherson said on Wednesday.
"I've said from the start, he's (Arthur) been a massive influence on my career and it's good to see him get two more years and it will be (a factor).
"I put a lot of hard work into my body every day and I think where I am at the moment, it's the best I've been. It's the best I feel."
With Arthur and Gutherson now tied on long-term deals, the focus is now expected to turn on prize halfback Mitchell Moses.
The Eels' chief playmaker is arguably in career-best form and now heads an off-contract list that includes Manu Ma'u, Tim Mannah and Michael Jennings.
