Fittler reveals why Gutherson is in line for a NSW debut
NSWRL
Clint Gutherson has been in blistering form at fullback for the Paramatta Eels this season but it’s his versatility to cover a number of positions that could earn him a State of Origin debut in 2020 according to Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler
Gutherson continues to press his claims for representative honours this season having guided the Eels to first place on the competition ladder while also surging to the top of the Dally M leaderboard with 12 votes after eight rounds.
The 25-year-old was named 19th man for Game II of the 2019 Origin series and was part of Fittler’s extended 34-man squad at an end-of-season Blues camp last year.
With Blues’ vice-captain James Tedesco winning back-to-back Brad Fittler medals at fullback, Fittler believes that Gutheron’s major advantage is his ever-improving skill-set in multiple positions.
“Originally, we thought (he could play) maybe as a centre, but then he can also play wing and also play fullback,” Fittler said on Five with Freddy.
“The part of his game which I underestimated was that ability to pass.
“He’s found (Maika) Sivo a couple of times with beautiful passes and also with short passes as-well. He’s sort of getting all the bags of tricks.
“He’s obviously training very hard because his game is getting better and better, so I think sometimes it works against you when you’re versatile, but sometimes it works for you.
“He’s one of those guys that can play many positions. So, I think with this Origin team, and the players we have, I think it will help him.”
The dynamic fullback has been in scintillating form during this year’s NRL campaign, recording two tries, six try-assists, six line-breaks, and averaging 212m per game.
The Eels’ captain will be looking to help his side record three consecutive victories when they take on the Newcastle Knights in Round 9 on Sunday.