Parramatta fullback Clint Gutherson's contract talks have been paused in a mutual agreement between the NRL club and his management.
The club released a statement on Thursday night in an attempt to pour cold water on the issue that has smouldered amid a three-game losing streak for the fourth-placed side.
"To allow Clint Gutherson to fully focus on football, the club and Clint's management have agreed to put contract discussions on hold until the conclusion of the season," the statement read.
Gutherson is not off contract until the end of next year, but will be able to talk to other clubs from November 1.
On Wednesday, Gutherson said he wasn't sure where reports of a $1 million-a-season price tag had emerged.
He said he hoped to avoid a repeat of his circus-like 2019 negotiations, when speculation reached fever pitch with reports of a club-imposed deadline on a decision and fears his knee was not reliable.
Manly can replace the Eels in the top four if they beat them in their Sunshine Coast Stadium clash on Saturday.
