Gutherson’s secret injury revealed as Eels review Darwin deal
Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson is playing through the pain of a knee injury that required fluid to be drained from it just to take the field in Darwin as the Eels review whether Friday’s horror trip to the Top End should be their last.
The club’s finals hopes could be all but over within a month after another second-half capitulation, this time to the Dolphins, to heap further pressure on Brad Arthur
.Arthur’s position is safe for now, but even he would admit the pressure will be right on if there are further capitulations like the one against the Dolphins, as well as the Raiders earlier this month.
The No.1 barely trained in the Top End during the week, and not for the first time required fluid drained from his knee on game day.
He underwent surgery on his right knee over the summer, but has continued to experience problems and chronic pain.
Painkilling injections do not help, while fans would have noticed him grimace in pain when he kicked the final goal
The Eels are contracted to play one game per season in the Northern Territory until the end of next year, but the club is considering whether it remains a prudent move to keep taking games to the region after Friday’s devastating loss.
The relationship has been financially rewarding and Darwin proved a happy hunting ground in its early years. However, the blue and golds have conceded 105 points in their last three “home” games in the Northern Territory – all against Queensland teams – and scored just 36.
The trip, against opponents more accustomed to the tropical conditions, has been a physically taxing one that limits the team’s ability to prepare for their next assignment.
“As is the case with anything in the normal course of business, it’s something we need to reflect on and review,” said Parramatta chief executive Jim Sarantinos.
The immediate issue for Arthur is there are no troops ready to replace the players who were so disappointing against the Dolphins.
There has been a push for Ethan Sanders to be given a debut in the halves, but there remain concerns about him being physically ready.
The Raiders on Monday made a three-year offer to Sanders, which he is expected to take up for the start of 2025
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Parramatta’s finals hopes go on the line the next month as it can be revealed Clint Gutherson needed fluid drained from his knee before kick-off in Darwin.
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