Dyldam Parramatta Eels outside back Clint Gutherson says defence is the key in this week’s season opener against the Brisbane Broncos.
With the Eels kicking off their 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership campaign at Pirtek Stadium this week, Gutherson said it will be a good challenge first up for the Eels, taking on the two 2015 grand finalists in the opening two rounds of the competition.
“It will be a good challenge for us first up,” Gutherson said of the Broncos.
“We have the Broncos, then the Cowboys Round Two, but we are just looking at it one game at a time. They’ve had a couple of games overseas so it will be good to see where we are at.”
The Blue and Gold new recruit has pinpointed defence as a major factor this week, saying the attack will come off strong defence.
“We will be a bit rusty, but we will just have to rely on our defence,” Gutherson said.
“We will just have to work for each other, on the inside and everywhere, and our attack will come.”
“We have the attacking power, with Foz and Normy in the halves. If we just defend and give our boys the field position that we need, I am sure they will be able to take us around the park.”
With Gutherson looking of securing his spot in the Blue and Gold side this week, the winger is hopeful he gets the call up and can impress in his first NRL game since suffering a season-ending injury in Round One of 2015.
“If I get the opportunity on Thursday night I’ll try and take it in both hands and just play my usual game.” Gutherson said.
“I’ve had a tough couple of years with injury but that’s my goal. To just play the 26 rounds and go from there,” He added.
“If I can keep playing good footy hopefully I can get a spot.”
The Dyldam Parramatta Eels kick off the 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership season against the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday, March 3. Click through to secure your seats!
