LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Clint Gutherson, the Dragons' star recruit on a $2.6 million deal from Parramatta, was expected to improve the team's fullback position.
Concerns were raised about Tyrell Sloan's ability to excel in the NRL, prompting the move for Gutherson.
The hope was that Gutherson's leadership qualities and work rate would provide stability in defense, an area where Sloan had been lacking.
While Gutherson showed promise with the ball against the Bulldogs, his defensive performance left much to be desired.
He missed crucial tackles that allowed the opposition to score, drawing criticism from fans and raising questions about the team's overall defensive unit.
Gutherson's missed tackles were particularly concerning given his reputation as a high-caliber player.
The fact that a fullback was being singled out for mistakes reflected poorly on the Dragons' defensive efforts as a whole.
Despite his strong offensive contributions, including setting up three tries and running for over 130 meters, Gutherson's defensive lapses were the focus of conversation among fans on social media.
His disappointment in his own performance was evident, as he missed four tackles and only made five in the team's 28-20 loss to the Bulldogs.
The mixed start for Gutherson with the Dragons highlighted the team's defensive struggles and raised doubts about whether he could live up to the high expectations set for him.
While his attacking abilities were on display, it was clear that his impact on the defensive end needed improvement.
As a key signing for the Dragons, Gutherson's performance will be closely monitored by fans and critics alike as the team looks to address its defensive woes moving forward.