Gutho responds to big Dragons rumour; Maroons star’s brother lands NRL deal — Daily

St George Illawarra Dragons veteran Clinton Gutherson has responded to speculation he will retire before the expiration of his contract in 2027.

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Three matches away from reaching the 250-game milestone, Gutherson insists that he’s still got plenty of football left in him despite suggestions from critics that the physical demands have caught up with him.

While some believe that he should forego the final year of his contract with the Red V, the veteran stated that he is used to the outside noise.

“There have always been questions (about my body),” Gutherson said on Wednesday.

“It’s not just now, it’s been happening for years. Every time I was off-contract at Parra, someone would release something about my knees.

“It’s nothing new to me. I’ve been copping ‘retire’ (calls) for 15 years.

“When that time comes, I’m sure someone close to me will tell me, but I’ve got a lot of kilometres left.”

The comments from Gutherson around his future come as the bottom-placed Dragons attempt to try and win their second match of the season this weekend against the Wests Tigers.

“We know the type of footy we’ve been playing. I think it’s been shown in the last few weeks,” the Dragons fullback added.

“If we go out there and play the 80 minutes like we want to do, a bit of luck goes our way, I’m sure we can get the job done (against the Tigers).”

BROTHER OF QLD STAR EARNS MAIDEN NRL DEAL

Tyson Walker, the younger brother of Queensland Maroons star Sam Walker, has officially earned his maiden NRL deal as he inches closer to making his first-grade debut.

Plying his trade with the North Queensland Cowboys, the club confirmed on Wednesday that he has been upgraded to a train-and-trial contract for the remainder of the 2026 season.

“I come from a long background of footy players,” he said last year.

“Definitely still a long way to the NRL, but I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to play rugby league.

”That’s pretty much all I want to do. I don’t have any other aspirations for now, that’s for sure.“

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Previously with the Sydney Roosters, with whom he won the 2025 Under-19s SG Ball Cup title, Walker’s upgrade makes him eligible to play in first grade this year.

“That’s definitely the dream (to play with Sam). I’ve just got to keep working hard and hit some kicks on the siren,” the younger Walker added.

“He’s taught me a lot on the field and off the field, like what it takes to be a professional, which has been really good, and it’s been really helpful.

“All the work that goes on, not only on the field but off the field, is even bigger as well. He’s been a massive help.”

Walker isn’t the only player the Cowboys have handed a contract upgrade for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Former Gold Coast Titans forward Taylan To’a and Under-19s Queensland five-eighth Taj Lateo have also earned train-and-trial deals.

Meanwhile, Under-19s NSW Blues representative Archie Mesritz will join the development list and Ethan King has been promoted to the club’s Top 30 roster.

TITANS SIGN EMERGING PLAYMAKER

The Gold Coast Titans have continued to bolster their depth in the halves with the signing of emerging playmaker Luke Hanson on a two-year contract for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Making his NRL debut earlier in the year, Hanson has spent the last few seasons with the New Zealand Warriors after coming through the Penrith Panthers' pathways system.

Able to play a number of different roles, the 22-year-old can play at fullback, in the halves or at dummy-half.

“Luke is a player we’ve had our eye on to strengthen our halves depth,” Titans coach Josh Hannay said.

“He’s a great young talent who possesses a strong work ethic - playing well above his weight with tremendous athletic ability and a strong desire to improve his game.

“He’s gained valuable experience coming through the grades in the Panthers system before being part of the full-time squad at the Warriors and contributing to their recent success, including their NSW Cup and NRL State Championship triumphs last year.

“We believe the environment we’re creating here at the Titans will help him continue his development and we’re excited for him to join our squad from next season.”

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