NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler has made a surprise admission regarding the selection of Clint Gutherson, revealing he has no plan to use the Parramatta skipper in his recall to the State of Origin arena.
The 28-year-old was one of many shock call-ups for the dead rubber clash against the Maroons, but is set to come off the bench in a utility role on Wednesday night.
Gutherson will fill the same role as Nicho Hynes in the series opener, which saw the Sharks halfback play just 12 minutes at centre after Tom Trbojevic was taken off with a head knock.
James Tedesco will remain in the No.1 jumper - the position Gutherson plays at club land - while debutant Bradman Best joins Stephen Crichton as the centre pairing.
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Where will Clint Gutherson play for NSW?
Speaking on SEN Radio, Fittler admitted the backline utility was included on the Blues bench due to the side's struggles with injury in the previous two matches.
“To be fair, I haven’t got a plan,” he said.
“When you’re picking that last position and we had two hookers… given our luck in the first two games from the point of view from some of our injuries, they’ve been in the outside backs.
“In nearly most games, we’ve had an injury in the outside backs, so Gutho covers anywhere from five-eighth to fullback but there’s no plan.
"I love what he’s about, he’s full of energy, whether you’re having breakfast, whether you’re doing fitness drills or playing in a game, he’s always contributing.
“He’s good fun to have around, watch what he does Paramatta every single week, he’s just wholehearted... I love rewarding players like that.”
Has Clint Gutherson played State of Origin?
This will be Gutherson's fifth appearance for NSW, having featured for the entire 2020 series and playing one game in the 2022 series.
Clint Gutherson 2023 NRL stats
| Games | 16 |
| Tries | 15 |
| Try Assists | 9 |
| Linebreaks | 12 |
| Tackle Breaks | 47 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 164m |
