Dragons hope history repeats as Gutho looks to emulate 2016 winner

Gutherson will commence his second season in the Red V under the bright lights of Las Vegas this weekend, as St George Illawarra take on Canterbury in the final game of a triple-header at Allegiant Stadium.

The fullback played every minute of every game in 2025, defying expectations of his body breaking down to win the club’s Player of the Year award.

Many outsiders were surprised by Gutherson’s durability and impact on the field. Flanagan was not.

The fullback’s recruitment comes from a playbook the coach has turned to before.

As Sharks coach, Flanagan was quick to pounce in 2012 when it became clear Luke Lewis was headed for an early exit from the Panthers.

The edge forward joined a Cronulla club in crisis in 2013 and helped lead the side through one of their darkest chapters.

Three years later and Lewis played a key role in the Sharks’ drought-breaking 2016 premiership.

Flanagan can see the similarities with Gutherson at the Dragons.

“They play different positions but they’re very similar people,” the coach said. “Luke was a hard trainer, a real club man, people loved being around him and he was funny.

“Gutho’s got those qualities as well. People love being around him, he trains really hard, they’re very similar players with a similar impact.”

Such is Gutherson’s relentless work ethic, the Dragons coaching staff are constantly trying to rein him in.

At 31 years old, managing his body to ensure he remains on the field is a key consideration for Flanagan and the medical team.

It’s often easier said than done.

“It’s hard to manage him,” Flanagan said. “He wants to do everything. We take him out of stuff and then he sneaks around the back and all of a sudden he’s back in.

“He understands why we’re doing it but it’s a challenge to keep him out because he wants to just get in there and do it all the time. We’re trying to reduce his loads because he’s fit enough.

“His work ethic is exactly why we wanted him at the club, we just don’t want him to burn himself out.”

Gutherson, for his part, recognises he is closer to the end than the start of his career.

With no plans to slow down anytime soon, the veteran has dedicated more time to managing his recovery and looking after his body.

Contracted through to the end of 2027, Gutherson is determined to make the most of the next two years as he looks to lead the Dragons back to the top eight.

“The goal is to play every game,” he said. “You never want to miss a game of footy. You never know when your last game’s going to be so you want to be able to do everything.

“I’m no different to the other people in this team, I’m doing all the little things right and it might work out for me. Luck does play a big part in it as well, so you’ve got to go there and make your own luck as well.”

The Dragons enter Saturday’s clash (local time) heavy underdogs against a Canterbury side many expect will contend for the premiership.

On the flipside, plenty of fans are tipping St George Illawarra to win the wooden spoon.

Internally, however, expectations are high for a club that has gone through a major overhaul in the off-season.

Halfback Dan Atkinson arrived as a marquee recruit, prop Josh Kerr is back at the Dragons a more mature, consistent player, and new assistant coach Michael Ennis has taken charge of the team’s attack.

The Las Vegas season opener provides an immediate chance to silence the doubters and Gutherson is looking forward to shocking plenty of rugby league fans this weekend.

“There’s always people that write every team off,” he said. “We believe in what we’re doing and where we’re going as a team and as a club.

“We’ve just got to believe in-house that we can do it and I know we’ve got the personnel that can go out there and shock a few people.”