LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Parramatta's own Clint Gutherson is facing criticism after a controversial move in the Eels' dominant 60-26 victory over the Wests Tigers.
In a classic case of trying to bend the rules to his advantage, Gutherson attempted to deceive the referee into awarding a penalty by running into a Tigers player during a crucial moment in the game.
Despite playing with multiple injuries, including three broken ribs and a torn quad, Gutherson's toughness on the field was questioned after the incident in question.
As the Eels held a comfortable lead over the Tigers, Gutherson saw an opportunity to relieve the pressure on his team by feigning a foul.
With the Tigers on the attack and looking to stage a comeback, Gutherson saw his chance to sway the game in his team's favor.
By intentionally colliding with a Tigers player and theatrically falling to the ground, he hoped to earn a penalty and halt the Tigers' momentum.
However, referee Peter Gough was not swayed by Gutherson's tactics and did not grant the penalty.
The move sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some criticizing Gutherson for his unsportsmanlike behavior.
While his dedication and resilience in playing through injuries were commendable, his questionable actions on the field have raised eyebrows and drawn scrutiny.
Only time will tell if Gutherson's reputation will be tarnished by this controversial incident.