Following 2016, where Parramatta Eels outside back Clint Gutherson was forced to fill several positions in the Eels backline as the Club dealt off-field dramas, 2017 was another year filled with high’s and lows for the talented footballer.
A season cut short by injury, Gutherson played 18 games in 2017, crossing for 11 tries and kicking 49 goals. A real competitor on the field, who often earnt plenty of praise from his teammates and Head Coach, also amassed 14 line breaks and five try assists this year.
2017 Stats - Clint Gutherson
Games played: 18
Tries: 11
Goals: 49
Field goals: 0
Points: 142
Runs: 206
Run Metres: 2048
Line breaks: 14
Line break assists: 6
Try Assists: 5
He plugged gaps at centre, five-eighth and fullback and proved to be one of the Eels’ best almost every game he played.
A real fan favourite with the Blue & Gold Members and fans, Gutherson also reaped the rewards on field for his efforts, claiming his second NSW City representative jersey.
A two try performance for the Eels in their 26-6 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys in Round Nine and another double against the St. George Illawarra Dragons in their 24-10 Round Fifteen victory two stand out performances from the outside back.
However, Gutherson’s season was cut short by a season ending knee injury following the Eels Round 20 clash against the Wests Tigers, suffering a rupture to his ACL in the final minutes of the clash.
A heart breaking way to end his season.
Before his injury, Gutherson was also in Dally M calculations.
Despite not playing the entire season, Gutherson’s effort on the field in 2017 earnt him the 2017 Jack Gibson NRL Coaches’ Award as chosen by Blue & Gold Head Coach Brad Arthur at the 2017 Ken Thornett Medal.
“’Gutho’ is the first person into the office every day for work, he is the first person into video to see where he can improve, he texts me at 2am after a game, whether he thought he played good or bad, to find out how he played.” Arthur said during the night of the Ken Thornett Medal.
“He has been moved from pillar to post to for the team and he has never not once complained. He just does what is best for the team.”
“He is one of the players that prepares to the best of his ability each week. It’s the stuff that people don’t see that excites me about him in particular.” Arthur added.
“It is all the extra efforts, the extra work that he does, the professionalism that he lives in his life and it’s replicated on the field.”
