Dragons nab Gutherson as first signing post-Hunt

St George Illawarra have signed former State of Origin representative Clint Gutherson on a three-year deal as the NRL club continues to rejig its new-look squad.

Coach Shane Flanagan vowed in September that the Dragons, having already secured the signatures of Damien Cook and Valentine Holmes, needed more fresh faces to become the "hard-nosed rugby league team" he wanted.Ben Hunt's dramatic exit has only heightened the importance of that recruitment drive in what will be a busy off-season for Saints, who finished 11th in 2024.

Gutherson is the club's first big signing since Hunt, the long-time face of the Dragons, was granted a release from the final year of his deal. Halfback Hunt is yet to sign elsewhere.

The Dragons announced Gutherson's arrival on Friday after firming as favourites to sign the hard-working 30-year-old when Parramatta granted him a release from the final year of his contract.

The four-time NSW representative had reportedly been reluctant to agree to new Eels coach Jason Ryles' plans to shift him from his preferred position of fullback in 2025.

But it remains to be seen where Gutherson will play at the Dragons, who already have hot-and-cold young gun Tyrell Sloan and Holmes as selection options at No.1.

While still contracted at the Dragons, Hunt had caused controversy for suggesting Gutherson could be signed to play as his halves partner - the position filled by Flanagan's son Kyle in 2024.

There is no better option to partner Flanagan in the halves as it stands, but the Dragons are likely to ramp up their push for a halfback and play Gutherson at fullback.

South Sydney playmaker Lachlan Ilias, injured for the majority of 2024, shapes as a possible target given Lewis Dodd's imminent arrival at the Rabbitohs.

Flanagan was thrilled to secure the signature of Eels co-captain Gutherson, who has also played at wing and centre during a 211-game NRL career.

"Clint will be a fantastic addition to our squad over the next three seasons," Flanagan said.

"He is not just an elite fullback; he also brings leadership, competitiveness, toughness and versatility.

"In addition to his obvious on-field qualities he will also be a huge asset to our emerging players over the coming years."

Gutherson had skippered the Eels since 2018 and helped guide the side to the 2022 grand final.

"I feel really excited and honoured to be able to come here and put this jersey on and have that badge on my chest," Gutherson said in a Dragons statement.

"The direction the club went in this year and where Flanno and the staff are taking the club is something I want to be a part of."

Elsewhere, Manly have signed Sio Siua Taukieaho after the dual premiership-winning prop's previous return to the NRL was thwarted by a failed medical test.

After leaving the Sydney Roosters for Catalans in 2023, the 32-year-old was supposed to join Canterbury this year, only for a persistent foot injury to ruin his hopes of an NRL comeback.

The goal-kicking forward has now signed a train-and-trial deal and will hope to follow in the footsteps of Manly teammate Nathan Brown by turning that lifeline into a full-time opportunity.

He helps replenish a Manly pack that has lost Matt Lodge, Ben Condon and Aaron Woods in the off-season.