Parramatta fullback Clint Gutherson pens an exclusive column for foxsports.com.au.
When Brad Arthur asked me to bring three items in to training to explain to the entire club why I play rugby league, I knew exactly what they would be.
I brought a photo of my grandmother. My debut Parramatta jersey. And a photo of the rest of my family.
I’m not afraid to admit when I started talking about my grandmother I did become pretty emotional
I hadn’t planned on it. I thought I would be sweet, but once I got up and began talking it sort of just hit me and my eyes started watering.
It was pretty full on, standing in a room in front of 50 people and opening up like that.
But it’s one of the best things I’ve been a part of in my footy career, and it’s done amazing things for this team.
It all started at the end of last season. We had a really disappointing year and I think everyone was searching for answers.
But it was good to see a lot of the boys so desperate to get a headstart on season 2019 so we could turn it around. It’s been pretty well documented Mitch Moses cancelled a planned holiday so he could focus on footy.
When things were going bad during the season a lot of us were pointing the finger at this and that, but we probably didn’t look at ourselves hard enough.
That was Brad’s message at the end-of-year review. He wanted us all to look ourselves in the mirror.
That’s the whole reason behind these new honesty sessions he’s implemented. He wants all the players to think about why they’re here, why they pull on that Eels jersey and run out each week.
He was the first one to stand up and speak. He spoke about his family and the reason he comes to work every day, why he loves coming in to this club.
I was the second one to do it.
Every week now us senior players have to pick out a couple of guys whose turn it is to bring their three items in, stand up and address the whole club.
It’s not just the players, it’s the staff and everyone involved with the team as well.
It’s brought the whole club closer together, and I think that’s showing on the footy field.
It’s only two rounds into the season but to be 2-0 instead of 0-2 makes a big difference.
The playing group and coaching staff are really tight, we’re all enjoying each other’s company and we’re enjoying coming to work every day.
Everyone is pretty excited about how good this season can be.
Replies
I hope it's the roosters crying tonight.
I'm glad Hayne isn't here anymore, he would take in a picture of himself, last night's chick he bite and a mirror to see himself while he talked.
Idiot
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Cranky Brad i was thinking the same thing
Hayne bring a video of himself scoreing a try a mirror and a photo of him self
Hahahaha pops, gotta have a laugh ever now and then
Peni's three should be - Bottle of Scotch, Boarding Pass, and bin to put them in?
Interesting he brought in his debut Parramatta jersey. It must mean something more to him being part of this club.