Gutherson sidelined for Dragons, Atkinson a surprise fullback option

St George Illawarra Dragons captain Clint Gutherson will miss Sunday's match against the Wests Tigers due to a knee injury, prompting coach Dean Young to consider Daniel Atkinson as a surprising fullback alternative.

Young confirmed Gutherson's withdrawal after the star fullback experienced persistent knee soreness following the previous game. The coach indicated that an MRI scan will be necessary to determine the full extent of the injury, as reported by Zero Tackle.

Injury Sidelines Star Fullback

Gutherson's knee issue developed mid-week, despite playing through the team's last fixture without apparent difficulty. Young noted his captain's determination, recalling an instance earlier in the season where Gutherson played 80 minutes against Cronulla despite a torn calf didn't train all week. However, the persistent soreness ultimately rendered him unavailable for the Tigers clash.

The Dragons’ medical staff worked diligently to get Gutherson fit, but his inability to complete a warm-up solidified the decision to rest him. This unexpected setback leaves a significant void in the Dragons' backline, particularly given Gutherson's leadership and on-field presence.

Contenders for the No. 1 Jersey

With Gutherson out, Young is weighing three options for the fullback role: Tyrell Sloan, Mathew Feagai, and Daniel Atkinson. Sloan is considered the most obvious replacement, having extensive experience at fullback earlier in his career, as Zero Tackle highlighted. However, Young has been particularly impressed with Sloan's recent form on the wing, including a man-of-the-match performance against Cronulla, which complicates the decision to move him.

The most intriguing prospect is Atkinson, who typically plays in the halves but has shown versatility across the backline. Young mentioned Atkinson's past experience at fullback, possibly with the Sharks or Melbourne "many moons ago" as noted by SMH NRL. While Atkinson has played center for Italy in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, he has not been a regular fullback option for the Dragons.

Young plans to consult with his senior players and coaching staff before making a final decision on who will wear the No. 1 jersey against the Tigers.

Dragons' Roster Decisions and Recent Form

The injury to Gutherson comes amidst other roster discussions within the Dragons organization. Dean Young refuted recent reports suggesting that Gutherson, Kyle Flanagan, and Lyhkan King-Tongia had been deemed surplus to requirements for 2027, stating these claims were "incorrect" regarding player discussions.

Young clarified the situation with Moses Suli, explaining that Suli was informed some time ago that he would not be offered a contract extension beyond his current one. The club would not stand in Suli's way if he could secure his future elsewhere, though they would be happy for him to remain if he chose to, as reported by SMH NRL.

Despite their position near the bottom of the ladder with only three wins this season, the Dragons have shown signs of improvement. Their recent upset victory against the Cronulla Sharks has generated late-season momentum. Continued strong performances could see them avoid the wooden spoon, potentially overtaking the Brisbane Broncos in the final round of the season, as Zero Tackle suggested.

For more coverage of professional rugby from around the globe, readers can find additional world rugby coverage on our site. The Dragons' immediate focus remains on securing a victory against the Tigers to build on their recent form and climb the standings.