Gutho poised to be centre of attention
Blues adviser Greg Alexander has revealed why NSW is considering naming Clint Gutherson at right centre
He always likes being the centre of attention on a footy field.
Now Blues adviser Greg Alexander has revealed why NSW is considering naming Parramatta fullback Clint Gutherson at right centre for State of Origin I in Adelaide.
With Manly’s Tom Trbojevic unavailable through injury, Alexander and NSW coach Brad Fittler are contemplating a surprise shift for Gutherson or opting for St George Illawarra’s Zac Lomax.
Gutherson, 26, will also be discussed as a possible fullback should regular NSW number one James Tedesco succumb to a leg injury.
The Eels skipper enjoyed a blistering six minute period against Souths on Saturday night where he scored two tries and initiated a third, despite his side’s 38-24 loss.
And Gutherson’s performance on Saturday was in front of Fittler – commentating for Channel 9 – and Alexander, calling for Fox Sports.
Melbourne’s Ryan Papenhuyzen is another strong candidate for the fullback spot should Tedesco withdraw.
The Roosters fullback injured a knee during Friday night’s loss to Canberra but finished the game, giving NSW officials confidence he would be fit for the three-game interstate series.
Gutherson has already experienced a slice of Origin when he was elevated to 18th man to cover for Trbojevic last year.
“We know ‘Gutho’ can play fullback but at the moment we are considering him as a right centre,” Alexander said.
“He was cover for Tom last year because Tom had come in off the back of a hamstring injury for game two. We always thought ‘Gutho’ could do a job for us at right centre.
“It doesn’t mean he will start there but we’re looking at ‘Gutho’ as a centre/utility.”
Reminded Gutherson was actually in line for two different spots, centre and fullback, Alexander said: “That’s right, exactly, he has played everywhere. He would bring energy, he’s never far from the ball and his effort areas are fantastic. And he would bring good form too.
“That five minute period on Saturday night where he scored two tries and set up another – that was as good a five minute period that anyone has had in the game this year.”
Gutherson ran for 201 metres against the victorious Rabbitohs.
Parramatta had four players named in the extended NSW squad – Gutherson, Junior Paulo, Nathan Brown and Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Paulo’s power, offload and footwork has placed him among the NRL’s elite front-rowers.
Eels winger Blake Ferguson wasn’t named but could be recalled should he be medically cleared from a knee injury. Parramatta halfback Mitch Moses missed selection.
Meanwhile the Roosters had five players named – Tedesco, Boyd Cordner, Luke Keary, Angus Crichton and Daniel Tupou. Despite four concussion related injuries this season, Cordner is ready to lead his state once again.
“No concerns over Boyd - he just needs a breather, like a lot of those Roosters boys, they need a bit of a spell and they will get a couple of weeks now,” Alexander said.
Blues extended squad: Nathan Brown, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Clint Gutherosn, Junior Paulo, Boyd Cordner, Angus Crichton, James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Luke Keary, Tyson Frizell, Daniel Saifiti, Payne Haas, Zac Lomax, Cameron McInnes, Jake Trbojevic
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