THE YEAR THAT WAS | Clint Gutherson
A State of Origin debut may just have been out of reach for Clint Gutherson but his inclusion amongst the playing squad speaks volumes of his efforts in 2019.
As a core part of the Parramatta Eels resurgence this season, which saw them reach Week Two of the NRL Finals Series, Gutherson was arguably one of their most influential players.
He recorded eight tries, 13 try-assists, 10 line-breaks, and 16 line-break assists this season, before earning Australian 9s and Australian Prime Mnister’s XIII jumpers respectively.
If his form throughout the campaign is anything to go by – representative honours, and perhaps a sky-blue jumper, is certainly on the radar in the near-future.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT v New Zealand Warriors – 24-22
This game came at the time of the year where competition points became increasingly more valuable and the Eels victory over the Warriors helped further cement their place in Top Eight.
Gutherson was at his blistering best in another game that had significant meaning and his heroics in the latter stages of the contest proved defining.
After setting up the second try with a bullet left-to-right cut-out pass in the opening half, his stunning try in the second-half well and truly set the game alight.
It came after some Mitchell Moses magic who tip-toed the right-hand touchline with sheer speed, before placing a deft grubber on the inside for Gutherson to cross for the ultimate match-winning try.
He finished with 232m, one try, and one try-assist in another incredible display as the Eels custodian no.1.
REPRESENTATIVE HIGHLIGHT – Prime Ministers XIII
Three tries, two try-assists, one line-break, three line-break assists and 114m.
That’s enough to suggest that Clinton Gutherson’s performance for the Prime Miniter’s XIII was one to remember.
He left no stone unturned in Australia’s 52-10 thumping of Fiji PM XIII before playing a pivotal role in Australia 9s.
OFF-FIELD HIGHLIGHT
Who can go past the Gutherino?
It’s his trademark try-celebration that has gone viral amongst Rugby League fans in 2019.
While there have been many attempts to replicate the customary Gutherson dance – there is truly only one who can master the art of the Gutherino.