The new hire has impressed the assistant coach of the Dragons.
In addition to highlighting a shift in leadership from Ben Hunt’s time as captain, Dragons assistant coach Dean Young has lauded new recruit Clint Gutherson’s effect at the club during preseason training. Since joining the Dragons and relocating his family to Wollongong to begin preseason training, former Parramatta Eels captain Gutherson has been praised profusely.
Given the strength these senior additions have given to the Dragons, Flanaga is debating whether to choose Gutherson or Damien Cook captain in 2025. Young, the assistant coach, has also noted the changes since Hunt’s departure during this year’s preseason.
After years of back and forth, Hunt and the Dragons decided to split ways, with the halfback choosing to join the NRL market. Hunt came home to join with the Brisbane Broncos, and after a month of speculation, he got the deal he desired.
The club had to find a successor after he left, so they signed Lachlan Illias from the Rabbitohs. At the close of the previous season, when the Dragons gave up and missed the top eight, there were rumours that Hunt’s leadership was called into doubt. This is true even though Maguire disclosed that Hunt’s representative teammates had nothing but praise for his leadership.
In addition, assistant coach Young noted that new recruit Gutherson has been setting the bar for training thus far after considering previous year’s performances. Young has also been impressed with Gutherson’s communication skills and his willingness to hold his new colleagues to high standards.
On Thursday, Young stated on SEN Radio, “I would say we were inconsistent.” “Everyone could see that we were pretty good at our best and bad at our worst. We must close the performance gap between our best and worst efforts.
“Each of the new hires has contributed something unique, but ‘Gutho’ stands out.” He is both seen and audible. He knows what he wants from his teammates and communicates well from the back. He makes them do it. Our goal is to be a reliable football squad.
Young had the good fortune to be asked to join the coaching team of new NSW coach Laurie Daley for the State of Origin series the following year. A few years earlier, Young assisted Daley in coaching the Indigenous All-Stars team, and he acknowledged that he was excited to work with the Canberra icon once more.
Shane Flanagan praises Clint Gutherson’s impact
Flanagan was gushing over Gutherson’s dedication to his new squad last month after he abandoned his family and rented an AirBnB to attend preseason training. And because of his preseason commitment, coach Flanagan has already stated that Gutherson or newcomer Damien Cook will be the next captain following Hunt’s departure. “Every player now knows that’s what we got him here for – to set examples and standards and not just his on-field ability,” Flanagan stated.
“His fact that he is already down here, away from family, and that he will do so before he gets a permanent residence shows how committed he is to our club. Clint was playing with rib cartilage damage and a torn quad at the conclusion of last year, making him his own worst enemy.
“He battled away and didn’t want to let his team down … people were saying he’s old and tired but he was standing up for his club and we are lucky to have him.” Gutherson was the first person up Mount Keira, which amazed the training crew during one of his first sessions. After demonstrating that he has recovered from several injuries sustained throughout the 2024 campaign, Gutherson made the scent in just under 23 minutes. Since then, Gutherson has relocated his family nearer to Wollongong.
Following Hunt’s departure, Gutherson and Cook seem to be in a two-way contest to take over as the Dragons’ next captain. The Sharks signed Daniel Atkinson, the club recently revealed.
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