NRL

Clint Gutherson will not play again in 2026 after the St George Illawarra co-captain underwent surgery on the knee problem that has troubled him throughout the season.

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The veteran fullback underwent a cartilage operation on Wednesday after spending much of the campaign managing the injury and attempting to play through the discomfort.

The decision brings Gutherson’s season to an early end, with the Dragons instead turning their attention towards ensuring one of their most experienced players is fully fit for 2027.

Encouragingly for St George Illawarra, Gutherson is expected to recover in time to begin pre-season training in November and should therefore have a full preparation for next season.

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His absence is nevertheless a significant blow for a Dragons side that has found some late-season momentum, including impressive consecutive victories over the Sharks and Tigers.

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Daniel Atkinson is expected to take over at fullback for the remainder of the campaign, providing the versatile playmaker with an opportunity to spend more time in the No.1 jersey.

Gutherson has been an important figure for the Dragons since arriving from Parramatta, bringing considerable experience and leadership to a squad that has undergone significant change.

He will enter 2027 as a Dragon and, more importantly, in the final year of his contract, with the possibility it could be his last season in the NRL after a long career and a decision on his future still to be made.

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