Origin 2020: Clint Gutherson hoping for shot at redemption after costly missed tackle in Game One

Clint Gutherson is intent on earning redemption for his Origin Game One blunder as NSW tries to avoid surrendering the series to the underdog Maroons.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 04: Clint Gutherson of the Blues is tackled during game one of the 2020 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at the Adelaide Oval on November 04, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Clint Gutherson wants one more chance.

The makeshift Blues right-centre has spoken of his desire to “redeem” himself after a costly missed tackle provided Queensland with the springboard to produce their stunning upset victory on Wednesday night.

The Eels captain was otherwise solid in Adelaide, withstanding the Maroons clear strategy to target him, by finishing with 28 tackles – the most of any player in the NSW backline.

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Clint Gutherson gets pinned by the Maroons’ big men.

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“I‘m just focused on getting the body right for Freddy for where he wants to play me or what he wants to do for the next game.

Gutherson also ran for 105 metres from 15 runs and two tackle busts.

But it was his crucial missed tackle on Queensland centre Kurt Capewell, who in muscling through Gutherson‘s tackle-attempt kicked for AJ Brimson to score a try, that the NSW debutant wants a chance to make up for.

“It was just a missed tackle that I had to make,‘’ Gutherson said.

“I had it under control and slipped into it and he made me pay for it.

Clint Gutherson is desperate to make amends in Game Two.

“But look, hopefully I’m there again next week to bounce back.

“I’ve got to keep working. It’s a game of tackles and missed tackles — its an easy fix for me and hopefully I get a chance to redeem myself.’’

Fittler will name his 21-man squad for Origin II at 4pm on Friday.

The NSW coach has the option of making a change to his backline with Dragons rising star Zac Lomax – a specialist right-centre – a member of the Blues squad.

Gutherson, who earned his NSW selection after two years of outstanding form at fullback for Parramatta, said that aside from his missed tackle on Capewell, he felt comfortable out wide.

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“I felt good out there the whole game. It’s just that one tackle that is going to hurt me,’’ Gutherson said.

“I’ve just got to make amends and work on it.

“Obviously you want to be on the winning side, but I just want to be there next week now.

“We‘re the only ones that can bounce back.’’

Originally published as Origin 2020: Clint Gutherson hoping for shot at redemption after costly missed tackle in Game One