Unbelievable! Clint Gutherson Signs with St George Illawarra Dragons, Makes Derogatory Statement, and Heads to Manly Sea Eagles
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NRL, Clint Gutherson, the star fullback for the Parramatta Eels, has signed a short-term deal with the St George Illawarra Dragons, only to make a highly controversial statement before making an unexpected switch to the Manly Sea Eagles. What started as a routine contract signing has quickly evolved into one of the most bizarre and unpredictable sagas in recent NRL history.
The drama unfolded earlier this week when news broke that Gutherson, who had been at the Eels for the majority of his career, had agreed to terms with the Dragons on a one-year deal, reportedly worth $800,000. The announcement was a surprising one, given that Gutherson had been seen as a future captain for Parramatta and a central figure in the club’s plans. However, fans were left even more stunned after a highly controversial press conference held by the player just hours after his signing.
Gutherson, 31, spoke candidly about his move to the Dragons, but his comments quickly took a sour turn. “I’m here to help the Dragons rebuild, but honestly, this team is in such a mess right now,” he said. “It feels like no one really knows what they’re doing here, and I’m just trying to make the best of it.” While some may have viewed these remarks as an attempt to motivate his new teammates, many took offense to his blunt and derogatory assessment of the club’s situation.
The comment about the Dragons’ “mess” was especially troubling, considering the team had just been struggling with internal issues and was attempting to make strides under head coach Ryan Carr. The statement sparked outrage among the Dragons fanbase, who quickly took to social media to express their dismay over what they saw as a lack of respect from a player they had just welcomed into the fold.
However, the real bombshell came the very next day. In a shocking twist, it was revealed that Gutherson had requested a release from his new contract with the Dragons, citing personal reasons and “unforeseen circumstances.” The very next day, a new development emerged—Clint Gutherson had officially signed with the Manly Sea Eagles on a three-year deal, reportedly worth even more than his initial Dragons agreement.
This sudden shift left both Dragons fans and the wider NRL community stunned. Not only had Gutherson reversed his decision to join the Dragons, but the move also raised questions about the nature of the deal and the motivations behind his decision. Many wondered whether Gutherson’s derogatory comments about the Dragons played a role in his change of heart. The Manly Sea Eagles, who had been in search of a top-tier fullback, were quick to announce the acquisition, with coach Anthony Seibold expressing his excitement about the signing.
“I’ve always admired Clint’s leadership and skillset on the field, and we’re thrilled to have him join our club,” Seibold said in a statement. “He brings experience, talent, and a winning mentality to our team, and we believe he can help take us to the next level.”
As for the Dragons, the situation has only added fuel to the fire of their ongoing struggles. The club has yet to officially comment on Gutherson’s departure, but it’s clear that they are dealing with another major setback in what has already been a difficult season. Fans and club officials alike are now left to question the integrity of their recruitment process and what went wrong with the signing of a player they had hoped would be a key figure in their rebuild.
Gutherson’s swift exit from the Dragons and his move to Manly have left the NRL world reeling. While the fullback’s future at the Sea Eagles is now secure, the fallout from his brief, tumultuous stint at the Dragons will likely be a point of discussion for months to come. Whether he will be able to win over Manly’s fanbase and become the leader they hope for remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this saga is far from over, and it will have lasting consequences for both Gutherson and the clubs involved.
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