The Sloan ranger: Gutho backs Tyrell to be No.1 gun

Far from gunning for Tyrell Sloan's No.1 jersey, Clint Gutherson sees himself as a mentor and guiding light for the much-maligned Dragons fullback.

Having scored 23 tries in 46 games across the past two seasons, Sloan was entitled to be feeling more secure in his role, but the arrival of 30-year-old Gutherson from the Eels has sparked speculation of a backline shake-up.

Should the former Parramatta captain get the nod to play fullback then Sloan faces a shift to the wing, but Gutherson said no positions have been discussed as yet and he is working on establishing a bond with the man eight years his junior.

"I called Sloany straight away when I signed down here and just had a chat to him and asked where I could help him," Gutherson said.

"It's his spot, he has been playing there for a number of years now, and he's had enormous pressure on him as a kid as well.

"Just to be able to help him and guide him where he wants to go as a player and what he wants to do with his career, I think I can be a massive help.

"I have latched onto him in my time here already and we've been hanging out and picking each other's brains.

"A lot of the best teams have a lot of fullbacks playing in their team and I don't think we'll be any different."

Joining the Dragons after nine seasons and 206 games as an Eel, Gutherson is part of a triumvirate of experienced hands recruited by Shane Flanagan to help steer the Red V back into the final after six years in the wilderness.

Former Rabbitoh Damien Cook (216 games) and 2016 premiership winner Val Holmes (203 games).

With 21 Tests and 19 Origins to his name, former Shark and Cowboy Holmes brings speed, power and poise to the table while Cook tasted has Origin success with NSW and helped guide the Rabbitohs into the 2021 grand final.

"The type of player and the quality of player we have brought in really gives us a boost," Gutherson said.

"It's exciting and on day one I was extremely nervous and felt like I was going back to school and everything since then has been something new - new weights, new training, new style of looking at footy and it has really energised me as a player and as a person.

"I think all the other boys are exactly the same and really looking forward to building on the summer and seeing what we can do moving forward."