Respected NRL reporter Michael Caryannis says a positional switch for Clint Gutherson could be on the cards at the Dragons as early as next season. It comes after Shane Flanagan’s sign have been linked with moves for Titans star Jayden Campbell and Warriors halfback, Luke Metcalf, whose current deals both run until the end of 2026.
The star pair have been been offered lucrative extensions at their respective clubs, but have yet to put pen-to-paper on new deals. The Warriors have reportedly tabled a two-year offer for Metcalf – who is currently on around $550,000 per season. But the halfback has indicated he will test the open market on November 1.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is reportedly considering a positional switch for fullback Clint Gutherson, with two rival players linked with joining the club. Pic: Getty
Metcalf led the Dally M Medal count in 2025 before suffering a season-ending ACL injury that derailed the Warriors’ season. But he could fetch a salary closer to the $1 million mark on the open market, considering halfbacks are a premium commodity.
Caryannis says while the ACL injury does ‘complicate’ Metcalf’s future, he doesn’t believe it will deter rival clubs making a play for the talented No.7. And the league reporter singled out the Dragons as a club that could potentially move for the 26-year-old after their well-documented halves struggles this year.
“I don’t think the injury is going to put clubs off,” Caryannis told Triple M radio. “You look at the way he started this season, I think he got injured in round 17. He would have been the only one to challenge James Tedesco for the Dally M by the end of the year, given how clear (of the field) Tedesco was.
“The Dragons will be one to watch with him… he’s got to look at a potential desire to return to Sydney. He’s just had a child, just got married. But they love him at the Warriors.” However, Metcalf appears keen to speak to rival clubs before deciding on his future, which could drive up his price at the Warriors.
The Dragons have also been linked with Titans star Campbell, who has proven adept at both fullback and in the halves at NRL level. It’s understood Campbell is currently in negotiations with Gold Coast after receiving a five-year extension worth a reported $4.5 million.
The Dragons have been linked with moves for Titans star Jayden Campbell (L) and Warriors half Luke Metcalf (R), whose current contract both run out at the end of 2026. Pic: Getty
Clint Gutherson tipped for positional switch at Dragons
But Caryannis says the Dragons could see him as a long-term successor to Gutherson at fullback. He believes Flanagan’s side need an injection of youth and speed at the back and believes a positional switch for the 31-year-old Gutherson will happen either next year or in 2027.
Gutherson proved an astute signing for coach Flanagan’s side in 2025 and started the season superbly at fullback for the Dragons. The long-time former Eels skipper brought much needed leadership and experience, but as the season wore on Gutherson’s ageing legs and lack of speed were exposed.
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It’s part of the reason why Parramatta coach Jason Ryles was keen to shift Gutherson into lock after handing rookie Isaiaih Iongi the No.1 jersey at the Eels, in a move that proved to be a masterstroke. And Caryannis claims the Dragons have always been working towards a similar plan to eventually move Gutherson out of the fullback role he’s performed in so brilliantly over a long and gruelling career.
The Dragons are reportedly considering a positional switch for veteran fullback Clint Gutherson as early as next season. Pic: Getty
“The game’s getting faster and poor Gutho’s getting slower,” Caryannis said. So he’s not the answer at fullback. And they know that. He knows that too, he’s not the long-term answer at fullback for the Dragons.
“So he’s got two years left on that deal . The anticipation was when he signed that by the second year – but definitely by the third year – he wouldn’t be playing fullback there.” He says Iongi’s stunning form after replacing Gutherson at fullback for the Eels proved that Ryles was correct in wanting to move the veteran to lock and suggested a similar move could happen at the Dragons.