Clint Gutherson has addressed his potential new role at the St George-Illawarra Dragons and insists he harbours no resentment towards Parramatta after his shock release from the club.
The Eels sent shockwaves around the NRL after agreeing to release their inspirational former captain, with the 30-year-old unveiled at the Dragons this week after penning a three-year deal worth a reported $2.5 million.
Gutherson played 206 games for the Eels and was regarded as the heart and soul of the club but was reportedly told by new coach Jason Ryles that he would be shifted to a utility role in 2025 if he stayed. Parramatta allowed the 30-year-old to explore his options, with Dragons coach Shane Flanagan quickly identifying Gutherson as the type of experienced player his side needed.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald about his sudden and unexpected departure from Parramatta, Gutherson says he doesn’t hold any grudges against his former club and insists the move “had to happen”. He said it became clear during a meeting with the Eels after last season that Ryles was looking to go in a different direction and accepts the club’s decision that he was not part of their plans.
“It’s just the way the club wanted to go with their direction,” Gutherson told SMH. “There’s no hard feelings; it’s the way rugby league and the business world works… “I’ve got no ill (will) towards anyone at the club and never will. I’ll be forever grateful for what they have given me. They just wanted to move into a new direction, and I wasn’t going to be a part of that.”
Ryles made it clear to Gutherson that they planned on playing young gun Penrith recruit Isaiah Iongi in the No.1 jersey next season, relegating the skipper to a bench role in 2025. But Gutherson says he respects the decision from the new Eels coach and says he plans on phoning Ryles in the coming days to wish him the best for the new season.
Clint Gutherson could play five-eighth and captain Dragons
Gutherson says he’s unsure what position he’ll be playing at the Dragons next season but could comfortably fill the fullback role that Tyrell Sloan occupied this year and provide valuable mentorship to the 22-year-old. Flanagan could also decide to hand the No.6 jumper to former Eels skipper and partner him with son Kyle in the halves. Gutherson did play there earlier in his career and admits the idea “does appeal” to him.
On the board. 👑
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— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) November 8, 2024
It’s understood Gutherson is also in line to be named Dragons captain in the wake of Ben Hunt’s departure, with fellow recruit Damien Cook the other leading candidate. The 30-year-old says he is yet to speak with Dragons coach Flanagan about potentially captaining the club, but believes his experience at Parramatta makes him a strong candidate.
Clint Gutherson reveals plans to relocate with his family
Gutherson also revealed that he plans on relocating to Wollongong with his partner Jesse and daughter Romy from their current home in Manly, following concerns raised earlier in the week. “I’m going to move the family down, enjoy a change of scenery,” he said.
“This will give me a chance to really buy into what they’re doing and be close to training and all the boys. I really want to build on what they started last year and see what they can do.”
Gutherson’s revelation comes after former NRL player Joel Caine told SEN this week that Gutherson owed it to Flanagan and the fans to base himself in the Wollongong area. “What I would want as a Dragons fan desperately is for him to move down there. We’re paying you close to a million dollars, I need you living in the city. We need you there Clint, if I’m a Dragons fan we need you there, you’ve got to be living there Clint.”
