Parramatta Eels five-eighth Clint Gutherson is adjusting to the new role of playing in the halves.
Making the transition from the outside backs to the halves, partnering Corey Norman, Gutherson says the move has been an enjoyable one, and one that will continue to improve as he looks to do the best for the team.
“The transition has been good, I’ve had a whole preseason there so its been handy to get that combination going there with Norms. I am enjoying it and it will only get better, I just have to keep improving my game and doing my part for the team,” Gutherson said.
“BA has said to play my own game, and do what I can for the team and make the team better. I am just trying to improve each week, and learn as much as I can off Normy.”
Gutherson had plenty of praise for Norman, who starred in the Eels Round One victory over the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Lottoland.
“Normy is a freak. He is coming out to a point to prove this year, we are looking forward to it, and I think the whole club is looking forward to seeing what he is going to bring to the team this year and how good he can get,” Gutherson said.
“You can see on the field, he is probably one of the biggest leaders out there, he tells us where he wants us to get, where he wants everyone to be. Off the field, he is in the leadership group so he has a big responsibility there and everyone is looking forward to what he can do this year.”
And whilst Norman starred at halfback, the new five-eighth had a strong performance against his former side.
“That was our goal to go out there and get the two points, and we were fortunate enough to come away with it. There is a lot to improve on so we will keep on looking to work hard and improve each week,” Gutherson said.
“There was a bit of banter going on through the week so it’s always good fun to go back there and hear what the crowd have to say, but it’s good to get one on them.” He added.
“I think I probably should of passed to Hoffy on the wing but fortunately enough I could finish it and score the try.”
The Eels focus turns to the St. George Illawarra Dragons this weekend, with the Blue & Gold travelling to Wollongong for the Round 2 clash.
“They were really good on the weekend, they gave it to the Panthers and it was a bit of an upset. They are going to come out firing on the weekend down in Wollongong so we will have to try and match that and do our best,” Gutherson said.
“I have never played there personally in the NRL, so I am looking forward to it, but so are all the boys.”
Gutherson expects a big battle up front to play an important part in the clash.
“They play off the back of everyone. If their forwards are going hard, they can work off there. We have to be wary of their whole team, come out there with each player doing their job,” Gutherson said.
“We are looking forward to the challenge.”
“Tungs took their forward pack on by himself last week! If Tungs can keep doing that for us, it will give us a fair bit of confidence going forward. If our forwards can do what they did to Manly, we are in with a chance.”
“I think our whole forward pack were unbelievable. They got us onto a roll, got us off to a start and gave us halves a bit of an easier time to control the game.”
The Eels kick off against the Dragons at WIN Stadium on Sunday 12 March. Kick off at 6:30pm.
