- 29 Sep 2015
- Manly Daily
- Jon Geddes and Andrew Prentice
Why Sea Eagles let Gutho leave
TOP JUNIOR SET TO JOIN STAR KIERAN FORAN AT THE EELS
FIVE months is a long time in rugby league – just ask young Sea Eagles utility back Clinton Gutherson.
Picture: ZAK SIMMONDSParramatta bound Clinton Gutherson In action for the Sea Eagles.
Back in April he signed a contract which would have kept him at the club until the end of the 2017 season.
Now the 21-year-old winger/fullback from the Cromer Kingfishers has been released to join Parramatta from next season on a threeyear deal.
Manly yesterday came out to explain the reasons for their decision.
“The club recently extended the contracts of some of our experienced players and further enhanced our depth through the recruitment of players who can cover several positions,” the club said in a statement.
“Accordingly it became clear that Clinton would no longer receive the opportunity to further develop through consistent selection at NRL level with the Sea Eagles.
“Whilst the club is reluctant to let Clinton go, we recognise the importance of his development at this stage of his career and wish to provide him every opportunity to succeed at another club.”
The Sea Eagles recently extended the deal of star fullback Brett Stewart until the end of 2017 and have rising star Tom Trbojevic, Jorge Taufua and Peta Hiku also under contract. They also signed Tim Moltzen.
Gutherson missed most of this season after suffering a knee injury – against the Eels in round one.
He will link up with former Sea Eagles Kieran Foran, Anthony Watmough, David Gower and maybe Will Hopoate at Parra.
(What about Hasson????)
The Sea Eagles also reiterated that their NYC prop Liam Knight is under contract for next season after the Roosters had shown interest in him.
Meanwhile, David Heath is preparing Manly’s under-20s for a premiership tilt after they beat North Queensland 25-24 in their qualifying final on Saturday night at AAMI Park.
They youngsters will need to beat minor premiers Penrith to hoist the trophy this Sunday at Homebush, a feat the coach believes is definitely achievable.
“We learnt plenty from when they touched us up (44-24) a couple of weeks ago,’’ the
departing coach said. “Since then we have closed out two close games and confidence is rising collectively.
So it's official, Heath is gone after lifting the NYC from Wooden Spoon to Grand Finalists in just 2 seasons. This year he even had to win without his best Player, TommyT for a large chunk of the games - PLEASE EXPLAIN , Manly
😕