In his first significant interview since making the big move, Dragons recruit Clint Gutherson says he has “no ill feelings” towards anyone at the Eels because of how his time there ended. The seasoned fullback talks candidly about the St George Illawarra captaincy and Tyrell Sloan’s role next season.
as leading Parramatta to a 2022 grand final during his nine seasons there, Gutherson signed a three-year contract with the Dragons as it became apparent that he would not be playing fullback the following season.
He said he’s “all in” with the Dragons on Friday, saying he has no animosity towards anyone at Parramatta.
I’ll always be able to chat to some of the people that are involved at the club, including some of my closest friends.
“I don’t harbour any regret or animosity towards anyone there in the slightest.
“This is a unique opportunity for a new beginning. For the first time in a long time, I was somewhat anxious on the first day of training.
Despite his initial anxiety, Gutherson quickly demonstrated to his comrades how much this meant to him by winning a fitness test with a strenuous run to the summit of Mount Keira.
“I’m here to set the standard at all times. “I’ve done it all my career,” he remarked.
Being a little older, I was a little more anxious for this one since I wasn’t sure how difficult some of the younger children would be.
“I was certain that I would win if I fulfilled my obligations. Setting the benchmark is more important than winning.
“I think that’s the reason I came down here: to lead, and I’m going to do that.”
In football, actions speak louder than words, and the fitness whiz has wowed fellow recruit Damien Cook.
“His success in the fitness tests was not surprising because we all know how fit he is,” he remarked.
However, I already adore him as a player. I can see how hard he works on the pitch, but it’s even more amazing to see how hard he works every day in the gym and on the training park.
It makes sense why he has been a fantastic player for so long. He is doing his part admirably because he has previously demonstrated excellent leadership on the pitch and established standards within the club.
Every week, Gutherson gave it his all for the blue and golds, and he was the Eels’ lifeblood. He claims that his new club, where he has already been linked to the captaincy when Ben Hunt moved to Brisbane, won’t change his approach.
When asked if he wanted to do it, he said, “I haven’t even considered it.”
“There is a position there now that Benny Hunt is departing. Although it’s not currently on the radar, I will have a conversation if those topics come up.
Tyrell Sloan, who is expected to lose his fullback position next season, is not happy about Gutherson’s presence.
Sloan was demoted to reserve grade for one game last season, so his spot has never been guaranteed.
However, Gutherson maintains that there is space for both players, citing the fact that many gifted fullbacks have been forced to play out of position. The veteran and his younger partner are already exchanging ideas.
Since we haven’t yet taken positions, he remarked, “I don’t even know if I’ve taken his jersey yet.”
“As soon as I signed down here, I called ‘Sloany’ and spoke with him, telling him where I thought I could be of use.
It’s his place. He has been performing there for a few years.
He has had a lot of pressure as a child, so I believe I can be of great assistance in helping him get to where he wants to be as a player and what he wants to do for a living.
“I’ve already taken to him during my stay here. We have been spending time together and exchanging ideas.
“I don’t think we’ll be any of the top teams that have a lot of fullbacks on the team.”
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