Clint Gutherson under fire for 'embarrassing' act as Benji Marshall makes Tigers plea

Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson has come under fire after footage emerged of the fullback trying to con the referee into awarding him a penalty in the Eels 60-26 drubbing of the Wests Tigers. During his post-match press conference, Trent Barrett revealed Gutherson played Friday night's 'Spoon Bowl' with three broken ribs - which he suffered three weeks ago - and a torn quad.

But his incredible act of toughness was overshadowed by a bizarre incident early in the second half of Friday night's encounter. With the Eels up 26-10 with 30 minutes to go, the Tigers were attacking Parramatta's line in an attempt to get themselves back into the contest.

As one of the Tigers' attacking raids broke down on the right-hand touchline, they looked to shift the ball back to the left. But Gutherson, who was in the defensive line, saw an opportunity to milk a penalty and relieve his side of the mounting pressure they were under.

The Eels skipper was seen deliberately running at a stationary Tigers attacker before wrapping his arms around him and flailing to the ground. He immediately looked to referee Peter Gough asking for a penalty but Gough didn't take the bait.

The incident was so blatant it could be argued that Gutherson should have been penalised himself for tackling the Tigers player without the ball. Benji Marshall's men eventually swept to the left hand side and scored just three plays later through Latu Fainu. While Gutherson's devious act was missed by the commentary team, social media was quick to call out the Eels fullback's actions.

Benji Marshall urges Tigers fans to be patient

The Tigers left the Spoon Bowl without any injury concerns but with another last-placed finish. Despite every step the club has tried to take forward in 2024, the joint venture still ended the year as only the second side of the NRL era to claim three straight spoons.

And while there are plenty of reasons for optimism at Concord next year with Jarome Luai's impending arrival, Friday night showcased just how much work needs to be done. The thrashing at the hands of Parramatta saw the Tigers register the worst defensive season in the club's history, with the side leaking an average of 31.25 points per game.

However, despite the 60-26 loss to the Eels, Marshall is adamant the Tigers' turnaround remains on track and urged fans to be patient. The Tigers debuted 12 players in 2024 and were forced to use 38 in total, including six members of the Western Suburbs premiership-winning under-17s side from 2022.

The wooden-spooners also won more games than they did in any of the past two seasons, but ultimately still finished last. And while Marshall is aware time is rarely on a coach's side in the NRL he said he won't be pushed away from his plan. "It doesn't worry me, because I'm not coaching to keep my job," Marshall said.

"I'm coaching to try and make this club better and make these kids better. I honestly believe I can do that. If that's me for the next two years and we don't get the rewards, and I'm not here, and someone else does (so be it). That's how much I care about the club. Time might not be on my side, but I am still going to encourage them to try and win next year."

Marshall also believes giving the Tigers youth some much-needed NRL exposure will bear fruit in the years to come. "I just believe in where we're going and the talent we've got. I believe in the leaders we've got and the way we're recruiting," he said.

"There were enough signs this season. And we've backed it, we backed our plan. The results didn't come, but everyone has mentioned they can see where we're heading. Everything is positive for us."

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Lachlan Galvin leads the group of talented young Tigers halves but will have less pressure on him next year with Luai alongside him. Fellow playmaker Fainu has also shown promise, while youngsters Heath Mason, Luke Laulilii, Fonua Pole, Tallyn da Silva and Samuela Fainu have all impressed. Time will tell if Marshall's plan will work out but the main focus will be trying to avoid an unprecedented fourth straight wooden spoon in 2025.

with AAP