The experienced fullback had a few concerning moments in defence.
Clint Gutherson was brought in to solidify the Dragons’ fullback position amid doubts over Tyrell Sloan’s ability to thrive as a No.1 in the NRL. Signed from Parramatta on a three-year, $2.6 million deal, Gutherson has already displayed the leadership qualities Shane Flanagan felt were lacking in Ben Hunt.
Gutherson was expected to bring a higher work rate than Sloan and strengthen the Dragons’ last line of defence, as Sloan had developed a reputation for missing crucial tackles that elite fullbacks should make. While Gutherson impressed with his attacking play against the Bulldogs on Saturday, his defensive performance raised concerns among fans.
He failed to bring down Marcelo Montoya in a one-on-one situation, leading to the Bulldogs’ opening try—a moment he would have been frustrated by despite the difficulty of the tackle. Later, he missed another key tackle on Connor Tracey near the line, allowing the Bulldogs’ fullback to score their third try.
Toby Couchman made a valiant attempt to hold Tracey up, but the situation could have been avoided if Gutherson had secured the tackle earlier. When a fullback is under scrutiny for missed tackles, it often points to broader defensive issues within the team, as ideally, a No.1 shouldn’t be the last line of resistance so frequently.
A player who sets high standards for himself, Gutherson will no doubt be disappointed by those two missed tackles. He ended the match with four missed tackles and five successful ones, reflecting the wider defensive struggles in the Dragons’ 28-20 defeat.
On the attacking front, Gutherson was far more effective, contributing to three of the Dragons’ four tries and covering 135 metres from 15 carries. However, his defensive lapses became a major talking point among fans on social media.
Dragons’ Comeback Offers Hope for 2025
Despite the loss, the Dragons mounted an impressive late surge, scoring the final three tries to make the scoreline more respectable. However, their completion rate of just 68 percent dampened the optimism surrounding new signings Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Damien Cook, and Lachlan Ilias.
Shane Flanagan’s side committed 15 errors, yet the attacking potential they displayed suggests they could be a dangerous side in 2025 if they improve ball retention. Christian Tuipulotu grabbed a hat-trick of powerful tries, while bench hooker Jacob Liddle produced a sensational solo effort, reinforcing the Dragons’ strength at the No.9 position.
