Dyldam Parramatta Eels hooker Nathan Peats and winger Clint Gutherson will both run out for the Kari City Origin team on Sunday, May 8, in Tamworth, but Gutherson admits he originally thought his selection phone call might have been a prank.
The Eels winger deputised as fullback for the Blue and Gold with an impressive performance in their Round 9 win over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs after Michael Gordon left the field with a corked thigh, and will also step into the fullback role for the annual Country v City clash.
“This is my first, proper representative jersey so I’m just excited to be playing really,” Gutherson said in an interview with teammate Nathan Peats.
“I got the phone call last night and thought someone was maybe pulling a joke on me so I texted you to make sure! I didn’t expect it, but now I’m happy to play with a legend like you.”
Gutherson and Peats will head into camp with the City side before travelling to Tamworth for the Sunday afternoon game, along with players from 7 other NSW NRL teams.
“I’m excited to just get in camp with the lads and play some footy,” Gutherson said.
“We don’t really know what to expect yet, I’m excited to just get in with the lads and meet a few new boys.”
The Kari City Origin side kicks off against AAMI Country Origin on Sunday, May 8, at Tamworth’s Scully Park.