St. George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan believes Clint Gutherson’s addition marks a turning point for the club as they aim to rebuild and strengthen their roster. Gutherson, a former State of Origin player and longtime Parramatta Eels captain, joined the Dragons on a three-year deal after being released from the final year of his contract with Parramatta. This move follows a dramatic offseason that included the departure of Ben Hunt, who was previously the team’s centerpiece.
Gutherson’s signing aligns with Flanagan’s vision of crafting a “hard-nosed rugby league team” capable of competing at the highest level. The coach had emphasized the need for transformative players to complement recent acquisitions, including Damien Cook and Valentine Holmes. Gutherson, renowned for his leadership, work ethic, and versatility, is expected to play a critical role in this new era for the Dragons. While his preferred position is fullback, his adaptability opens up options for the coaching staff, particularly as they evaluate their halves and fullback combinations.
The 30-year-old Gutherson is no stranger to high-pressure environments, having captained the Eels since 2018 and guided them to a grand final appearance in 2022. His leadership qualities, competitiveness, and experience are seen as invaluable for developing emerging players within the Dragons’ squad. Flanagan expressed confidence that Gutherson’s presence would boost the team’s morale and performance, helping to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
For Gutherson, joining the Dragons represents a fresh start. Disagreements over his role under Parramatta’s new coach Jason Ryles prompted his departure from the Eels. He stated his enthusiasm for embracing the Dragons’ vision and contributing to their resurgence. This optimism is shared by the club, which views Gutherson as a critical component of its efforts to return to playoff contention after finishing 11th in the 2024 NRL season.
With Gutherson in the fold, the Dragons aim to build momentum during the offseason. The team’s recruitment strategy reflects Flanagan’s determination to reshape the squad and overcome the fallout from Hunt’s exit. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Gutherson’s arrival will influence the Dragons’ performance as they prepare for the 2025 season.
