Clint Gutherson, a Dragons recruit, has reacted to Dylan Brown, a former teammate, who said that the Eels had lost its heartbeat after he was released to join St George Illawarra.
After nine seasons with the team and 96 tries in 206 games, the Eels’ captain was fired due to a cruel roster decision.
Though he was humbled to be able to change things and leave a legacy at the Eels, Gutherson mockingly questioned Brown’s heartfelt remarks.
“It’s likely that Dylan doesn’t even recall my appearance,” Gutherson jokingly said.
But really, it’s a unique feeling to know that you left something behind. You always want to leave the team and a jersey in a better state, and if I’ve accomplished that, then I’ve fulfilled my role.
However, they’re a fantastic club. They will also be moving forward, and since I am currently present and they are there, this is where we are at this point, and I am looking ahead.
Although it will be odd for Eels supporters to watch their former captain return to CommBank Stadium in Dragons colours the following season, Gutherson is excited about it.
Gutherson stated, “It will be good; obviously, a lot of my close friends are still there, and you just want to get one up on them.”
“You want to participate in those games and the major tournaments, and they won’t be any different.”
Nonetheless, it is hard to ignore the peculiar sequence of events that saw one of Parramatta’s most adored sons go from leading the team to a Grand Final in 2022 to being sent out after only two seasons.
However, for Gutherson, it’s just part of the experience of playing in the NRL.
Gutherson acknowledged that rugby league is a peculiar sport.
Not just if you’re switching clubs, but you also need to understand how to move on fairly rapidly and week to week. You are losing and winning from week to week.
“I think the first day was a little strange at first, just sort of navigating and figuring out where to go, where to stroll, and all that.
However, even if they had a significant role in my life, I’m now here. I’m giving this club my whole attention right now, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.
One of the most well-liked leaders and diligent players in the NRL, Gutherson won’t be altering his style at his new team.
Gutherson declared, “I do it my way, I’m me.”
“I won’t change for anybody. I’ll do me, that’s all. That is what I am bringing down here, and I will play and lead as I do.
Shane Flanagan is considering Gutherson as a possible 2025 captain successor for Ben Hunt, along with another recent addition, Damien Cook.
Gutherson would be open to the captaincy, but he is still focused on gaining the respect of his teammates and a spot on the squad.
“I haven’t given it much thought,” Gutherson remarked.
Right now, my main goal is to resume my preseason activities and get my legs going. But see, I’ll be willing to have that conversation if it comes up.
Hunt and Zac Lomax, both Australian representatives, were perhaps the Dragons’ two greatest players.
Valentine Holmes, Cook, Gutherson, and most recently, Lachlan Ilias, have all joined the team as a result of their involvement in the transfer market.
Gutherson is eager to see what the Dragons can do in 2025 and beyond with him and his fellow recent hires.
Gutherson remarked, “They’re excellent players.”
played for their state and their country, and they have a plethora of expertise. Their skills on the pitch are merely a bonus, but I believe that what they will contribute both on and off the pitch will be crucial to our goals as a team and as a club.
Given that he must replace Hunt, their most valuable player, Ilias might be the most significant addition.
Gutherson thinks the Dragons will benefit from Ilias’ experience playing for a formidable squad at Souths.
Gutherson said, “Yeah, it’s huge, obviously a lot of experience.”
“I believe that once we get him healthy and he can get that leg right and sort of go about his own business, it’s a fresh start for him as well. He played at a great club in Souths and played next to some of the great players of our game.”
“I think we can build off of him, and it’s good that he’s really looking forward to it.”
After playing against Cook and Holmes for years, Gutherson is thrilled to play club football with the two Origin and Kangaroos players.
Gutherson remarked, “There is a lot of experience in there.”
“Val and Cookie are clearly representing their states and nations, and I believe that everyone is arriving at once for a new beginning.
“As a player and as a person, I think it really energises you, and we’re really looking forward to what we can build over the summer and into the football season.”
It might have been hard for Gutherson to sign with incumbent Dragons fullback Tyrell Sloan, one of his new teammates.
But as soon as Sloan signed, the former Eels No. 1 called him and said he could help him become a top NRL fullback.
On the day I signed, Gutherson says, “I called him and texted him and just said, look, this is where we’re going and what I can help you with.”
“And I believe I can set a great example to help you reach your goals as a player and become the player you want to be.”
Additionally, several NRL teams now have a large number of fullbacks on their rosters.
“You just must have your best players available, in my opinion. I have no idea where I will be playing yet. He doesn’t either, so we just need to make sure we’re prepared to go. Then, we have to go out there and play wherever Flanagan wants to go and with anyone he wants to include in that 17 during that first week.
At an NBL basketball game, Sloan and Gutherson were spotted together, and the veteran joked that he ought to be the Illawarra Hawks’ top season ticket holder.
Yes, that was enjoyable. I believe I’m a life member because I’ve been there for the second game,” Gutherson jokingly said.
However, in order to make sure that teammates put in more effort on the field, Gutherson’s mentality has always been to establish relationships with them off the field first.
“You must cultivate relationships,” Gutherson stated.
Getting to know one another outside of football, not only at it, is how you create culture.
When Sloan and Gutherson were seen together at an NBL basketball game, the veteran jokingly said that he should be the Illawarra Hawks’ top season ticket holder.
Yes, I did enjoy that. Because I attended the second game, I think I’m a life member,” Gutherson said.
However, Gutherson’s approach has always been to build relationships with colleagues off the pitch before expecting them to put in more effort on the pitch.
“You have to build relationships,” said Gutherson.
Culture is created by getting to know each other outside of football, not only at it.
Although Gutherson feels he has handled his arrival like a real pro, he may find himself out of position on the wing or perhaps off of the club next season, just as his career was taking off.
Gutherson remarked, “I think he’s been great.”
He is 22 years old. He has a lot of first-grade football experience. He has spent several years in and out of first grade, and I believe I can much benefit him both as a player and as a person.
“I believe that he has contributed to the direction and goals that our club is attempting to establish.”
After nine seasons in the blue and gold, it takes some getting used to seeing Gutherson in the Dragons’ crimson, but the man himself isn’t bothered by the change.
Gutherson remarked, “It’s good, something new, a fresh start.”
The 30-year-old disclosed that he will be based in Wollongong and is presently staying at an Airbnb while he searches for a home.
I have visited Wollongong,” Gutherson remarked.
“I have an Airbnb there until Christmas, and I’m currently looking for a place to live there, so it’s good.”
Hunt took an NRL-high 34 try assists from the previous season with him, and the Dragons are still among the favourites to get the wooden spoon next season despite the hiring frenzy.
However, Gutherson thinks that it is the responsibility of the Dragons players to disprove the bookmakers and their detractors.
“Don’t they always write everyone off, in my opinion?” Gutherson uttered those words.
“Look, it’s one of those situations where you have to prove people wrong, and this year is no exception. Penrith is probably the only team they let win.
“We’re going to be looking forward to where we want to go as a team and as a club, and we’re going to go out and try to do that because winning is the only way to prove them wrong.”
READ MORE ON:https://sportip.co.uk/