Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson is sick of the uncertainty around his NRL future and tired of being painted as greedy.
The off-contract star on Thursday denied having scheduled a meeting with Manly coach Des Hasler but admits he's exploring all options despite hoping to remain at the Eels beyond 2019.
"I want it done just as much as everyone. I'm very sick of it," Gutherson said.
"But it takes its time. It's a very serious time in my life. It's a massive decision in my life.
"I'm 24 and this can set me up for a long time in the game and out of game as well."
With Eels management baulking at his demands, Gutherson has been linked to a return to Manly, where he began his career before following former Sea Eagles assistant coach Brad Arthur to Parramatta in 2016.
Arthur is also off contract at the end of the season and Gutherson said he was surprised the Eels hadn't re-signed Arthur yet either, admitting the coach remained a "massive part" of his career and thinking.
"I've stated since I've been here that he was the reason I came here. He was the reason I signed previously and I love Brad, I love his family, I love what he's about in life and in footy," he said.
But most frustrating of all for the unsettled Eels skipper is being seen greedy for wanting fullback money - reportedly $750,000 a season.
"That's what I've been seen as and it does hurt," Gutherson said.
Star five-eighth Mitchell Moses is another influential Eel off contract at the end of the season.
But Moses on Thursday was more interested in issuing Parramatta powerbrokers a hurry up in their stalled negotiations with Gutherson.
"He's our captain and probably one of biggest leaders on the field so I think Parramatta's doing everything they can possible to wrap him up and they probably should hurry up and get onto it," Moses said.
Moses has been linked to a move to Brisbane, but repeatedly said he was leaving his future totally up to his management.
"I've got full confidence that my management will do right by me and they think wherever I play my best footy will be wherever," he said.
"But I'm loving it out here at Parramatta. I'd love to stay at Parramatta."
The Eels board later took the rare step of sending all members an update on the club's contract negotiations.
"We have 14 players off contract at the end of this 2019 season and, while it has long been our club's policy not to discuss contract negotiations publicly, please be assured that we are working diligently to do what is in the best interests of both our players and our club," it said.
