From a story about the return of Matt Lodge in the Herald:
Meanwhile, Gutherson was at his vocal best as the Dragons new-look spine comprising he, Damien Cook, Lachie Ilias and Kyle Flanagan enjoyed some vital game time together on Friday.
For a third straight pre-season, Manly and the Dragons clashed in a practice game, which was played at a 90 per cent intensity.
Just as Gutherson led the way to the top of Mt Keira in December after arriving from Parramatta, the fullback was at it again against the Sea Eagles.
He barked orders, threw a floating pass for a try, and made sure the intensity levels never dropped.
“We knew what we were getting with him, and he was outstanding today,” Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.
“Just his communication, his ability to get our defensive line organised – and get the right numbers right – and just the way he competes, that’s Gutho.
“And he’s rubbing off on other people. We’re lucky to have him.
“‘Cooky’, Kyle and ‘Gutho’ are getting better. Lachie didn’t train through November and December, and only came back mid-January, with each day he will get better.”
Ilias and Cook, who were both at Souths last year, and Gutherson and Flanagan will play around 20 minutes next weekend in the first official trial against the Sydney Roosters. They will play around half a game the following week in the Charity Shield against the Rabbitohs.
Valentine Holmes looked sharp at left centre, while a slimmed-down Moses Suli was a handful at right centre.
Tyrell Sloan (foot) did not feature, but is expected back for the Charity Shield, said Flanagan. Hooker Jacob Liddle also missed the scrimmage after spending the past couple of days having an infection in his hand treated in hospital.
Coach Anthony Seibold confirmed Tommy Talau (ankle) was expected back for the second trial against the Panthers, along with Nathan Brown, while Jason Saab (ankle) and Josh Aloiai (broken scapula) would return round one.
“It was good to get some work against different opposition,” Seibold said.
“I was really impressed with the Dragons and their new spine. They looked very, very good. I also thought the Dragons had a real physicality about them and probably won that physical battle this morning.”
