NRL pre-season: Clint Gutherson impresses in first day at Dragons training, calls on Terrell May to join St George Illawarra

Clint Gutherson has wasted little time in making his presence felt at St George Illawarra, blowing away teammates on day one and calling out a big-name free agent to join him at the Dragons.

Clint Gutherson has wasted no time proving exactly why St George Illawarra signed him.

On his first day as a Dragon, the high-profile recruit silenced critics over his ageing body by leading from start to finish in a gruelling 30-minute road run up Wollongong’s imposing Mount Keira.

The former Eels captain has also proven he’s prepared to help recruit for the Red-V by calling on power forward Terrell May to join the Dragons in 2025.

“I had a restless night last night, it felt like I was going back to school,’’ Gutherson said of his first day as a Dragon.

Clint Gutherson impressed on his first day in Dragons training, finishing first in a gruelling 30-minute road run. Picture: Dragons

“It was a good feeling. You want those feelings on day one.

“After that first session you feel like you’re under way as a part of the club.

“It was exciting. I was stinging for it.

“I’ve known it’s been coming for the last month or two and ever since we had that conversation (with Eels management), I knew that’s where I was going, somewhere else.

“I’ve been excited, my whole family has been excited, I’m really looking forward to what’s to come.’’

Gutherson showed his leadership credentials, encouraging teammates at the finish line. Picture: Dragons

DAY ONE

Gutherson walked into the Dragons training base in Wollongong just after 7.30am on Friday.

He was greeted by handshakes, high fives and hugs from his new teammates, including the man that he will replace at fullback, Tyrell Sloan.

The 30-year-old then went about setting a new training standard for everyone of his Dragons teammates to chase.

“People have been saying I don’t have good legs for years, that’s why you don’t listen to them,’’ Gutherson smiled after completing his victorious road run.

“Ever since the first conversation I had with Flanno (Shane Flanagan) I knew the direction he was going in.

Raymond Faitala-Mariner greets Gutherson, as the clubs’ new fullback wears Dragons colours for the first time. Credit: Instagram.

“He’s old school and that’s how I like to go about my business as well.

“What they did last year and what they’re doing is something I want to be a part of.

“I couldn’t wait for day one.

“The youth they’ve got, walking into training everyone looked 18.

“The excitement of those young kids with the group of experienced guys, is so exiting.’’

“You listen to the people that you need to listen to and over your career you build that circle who you can trust and talk too.

“You want to go out and prove a point on day one. I know I’ve still got a lot to give and a lot to prove as well.

“You want to be where someone wants you.

“You want to be at the club where they’ll appreciate what you do and everything you bring to a team and a club.

MAYBE TERRELL

With fellow new recruits Damien Cook and Valentine Holmes certain to provide a major elevation in speed, skill-level and leadership at the Dragons next year, Gutherson used this masthead to also promote the prospect of trying to sign unwanted Roosters prop Terrell May.

May has held talks with the Dragons, while the Bulldogs and Wests Tigers are also in the discussion.

“He’d be huge, he should definitely join us here,’’ Gutherson said.

“Everyone knows how good he’s been over the last few years.

“He plays big minutes at the Roosters and anyone coming from that system would be a great buy.

“Hopefully we can get him across the line.’’

Gutherson wants the Dragons to sign Terrell May. Picture: NRL Photos

HELPING SLOAN

As a consequence of Gutherson’s arrival, the enigmatic Sloan will be forced to make way and be chosen to play at either wing or centre.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has commented that Sloan has been surprisingly accepting of the prospect of moving from fullback and in the process being able to learn from Gutherson.

Gutherson said he couldn’t wait to elevate Sloan’s game.

“I can help him in every way,’’ Gutherson said.

“I can teach him how to do it week to week. Fullback is a tough position to learn and I’ve been doing it for a long time now.

“I can help him in a lot of ways, especially defensively.

“Attack-wise he’s one of the best in the comp. He’s lightning fast, he’s got all the skills in the world.

Gutherson has vowed to help ousted fullback Tyrell Sloan, as he fights for a spot in the top-17. Picture: Dragons

“Defensively, just getting your numbers and filling in at the right times, is something that takes a lot of practice.

“Sloany is still really young and so just having me to help him and guide him as a player and person is something I’m keep to help with.

“I gave him a call once it was all done and just said, hey mate I cant wait to work with you.

“He was the same right back.

“Seeing him today, I could see how excited and bubbly he was to be back at training and that’s what you want to see.

“Most teams have two fullbacks in their team now anyway, so we could easily rock around with two fullbacks and find his best.’’

HOME IN THE GONG

Gutherson’s on-field win-at-all-costs mentality is infectious. He lives and breathes winning, to the point that he has made a decision that a host of former high-profile Dragons recruits stopped short of doing, which is to move from Sydney and call Wollongong home.

“I’m buying in. When I’m in, I’m in,’’ Gutherson said.

“I give everything I’ve got. I give every bone, every bit of skin I’ve got to where I’m going and where I’m going is with the Dragons.

“I’ll get the family down here (Wollongong) after Christmas and they can buy into the community and what we want to do.

“I’m getting tingles thinking about it now. I just want to win.

“I want to win and this is where I want to do it.’’

Coach Shane Flanagan one day one of Dragons training.

PLAYING PARRA

With the much anticipated 2025 NRL season draw due to be released next week, Gutherson conceded he was eagerly awaiting to see when he would be drawn to play the club he spent the past nine seasons.

“Hopefully it’s Parramatta round one at CommBank,’’ he smiled.

“Its going to be a weird one. The (Eels) boys are already into me.

“I did it after I left Manly, you always look for that Manly game and you just look forward to it.

“They’ll (Eels) probably thinking about kicking down to me and just flogging me.’’

Originally published as NRL pre-season: Clint Gutherson impresses in first day at Dragons training, calls on Terrell May to join St George Illawarra