With contract dramas behind him, Clint Gutherson turns his sights on State of Origin

With his long-running contract saga finally concluded, Parramatta skipper Clint Gutherson has his sights set on a new goal - making his State of Origin debut.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Clint Gutherson looks on during a Parramatta Eels NRL training session at Old Saleyards Reserve on May 15, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

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Clint Gutherson finally signed a new three-year deal at Parramatta yesterday, taking a decisive step toward securing his first NSW Blues jumper.

And when grilled about State of Origin, Gutherson said: “I’m in good physical condition - I do all the tough stuff.”

Gutherson, the Eels skipper, is a candidate to replace out-of-form right centre James Roberts for Origin I on June 5 in Brisbane. And just this week, NSW coach Brad Fittler reiterated his stance against picking players caught in messy contract negotiations.

Adamant he wanted his Blues preparing without off-field distractions, Fittler said: “It’s incredibly important and we just keep pushing to all our players to get your shit sorted.”

Now signed and settled, Gutherson – albeit a NSW selection outsider - reluctantly pushed his name forward as an Origin contender.

“I wouldn’t have a clue to be honest but I would love to, every player wants to play Origin. But there’s plenty of players out there that are putting their hand up,” Gutherson said.

“If it comes I’ll take it with both hands but I’ve got to focus on getting back to winning for Parramatta.”

Asked would he handle centre, current fullback Gutherson said: “I would say I could. I’m in good physical condition, I do all the tough stuff. If it comes I’ll take it with both hands.”

Parramatta centre Michael Jennings, a former NSW star now committed to Tonga, offered total support to Gutherson’s NSW push.

Gutherson has been in good form. Picture by David Swift.

“He would definitely be ready, easy. In the centres? I reckon he would fit in there. Origin would suit him. We say that about a lot of players – are they ready? And when they play, they’re ready,’ Jennings said.

“He has played a bit of centre, he could play anywhere. He is a really strong centre. Gutho is a natural athlete. He is massive for the club.”

After seven months of negotiations, a deal between Gutherson and Parramatta was finally brokered late Wednesday night.

Gutherson’s manager, Sam Ayoub, sent an email to Parramatta general manager, Mark O’Neill, agreeing to a three-year deal - at $650,000 a season - rather than a preferred four-year contract.

Could Gutherson make his Origin debut? Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images.

It means Parramatta has nailed down its captain and coach – Brad Arthur – in a week.

“I love coaching Clint, the energy and commitment he brings to work every day is unparalleled. His teammates look up to him and he sets a great example to the whole playing squad, I’m very happy he’s staying,” Arthur said.

Gutherson was relieved the protracted talks had finally been settled.

“I love the club and our loyal fans, I love playing the game and I love my teammates so I’m very happy I’m staying,” he said.

Gutherson made his Eels debut back in 2016. He remains a fan favourite despite losing some support due to the ongoing negotiations.

“We are delighted to have Clint remain an Eel, and we are keenly aware of what he brings to the club. He is an asset to our team and a leader both on and off the field,” said Parramatta chief executive Bernie Gurr.

Originally published as With contract dramas behind him, Clint Gutherson turns his sights on State of Origin