Clint Gutherson has won the Ken Thornett Medal as the Parramatta Eels’ 2023 Player of the Year.
The Eels Co-Captain took out the top honour at the Club’s 2023 presentation night on Tuesday, and also claimed the Nathan Hindmarsh Players’ Player Award and Blue & Gold Army Award.
Gutherson enjoyed one of his strongest seasons in the NRL, headlined by a career-high 19 tries. This included hat-tricks against the Knights and the Bulldogs.
The fullback also posted 14 try assists and 15 line breaks, while kicking 16 goals as the Eels' deputy goal-kicker at an impressive 76% conversion rate.
Gutherson's efforts off the ball were just as impressive, producing countless important defensive plays throughout the season.
His impressive performances throughout the season earned him selection for the NSW Blues in Origin III, their lone win of the 2023 series.
2023 marks Gutherson’s second Ken Thornett Medal, having also won the Player of the Year award in 2020.
Parramatta Eels 2023 Award Winners
- Ken Thornett Medal (NRL Player of the Year): Clint Gutherson
- Nathan Hindmarsh Players’ Player: Clint Gutherson
- Jack Gibson Coaches’ Award: Will Penisini
- Eric Grothe Rookie of the Year: Wiremu Greig
- Ray Price Community Award: Junior Paulo
- Bob O’Reilly NSW Cup Player of the Year: Luca Moretti
- Geoff Gerard NSW Cup Coaches’ Award: Ky Rodwell
- Steve Ella Jersey Flegg Player of the Year: Nick Lenaz
- Brett Kenny Jersey Flegg Coaches’ Award: Brock Parker
- Michael Cronin Club Person of the Year: Steve Murphy & Monique Austin
Replies
Surprised Hopgood didn't get something
Very surprised, Parrapowa.
Hopgood was equal second on voting with Moses going into last round but Gutho polled 3 in the last game and overtook both of them
Thought Cartwright was outstanding this year . He would have been neck and neck with Gutho . Both those players can certainly hold their heads high .
Well done king Gutho . If we had 29 other Gutho in the squad we would be still in race and looking ahead rather than behind !!
Gutho deserves this one. Absolutely busted his ass all year and lead the team with his effort every game. We'd be a completely different team without him.
He's the best captain we've had since Ray PriceZ
I was at this night and the feeling in the room with the players and coaching staff was extreme disappointment. I left feeling certain that, barring another horror show with injuries and suspensions, the Eels will be back next year.
Well done to Gutho who actually got 3 awards including the fan favourite award and spent most of the night hobbling up to the stage having had a knee clean out surgery the night before
Congratulations to the king and all winners. See how big Greig is standing next to eg?