Considering his options: John Sutton. Photo: Anthony Johnson
South Sydney forward Ben Te'o inadvertently talked up the market value of John Sutton when he hailed the Rabbitohs' five-eighth as the ''brains'' of the premiership contenders.
Sutton, in career-best form, revealed on Tuesday a report he had signed a deal that tied him to Souths for life was wrong and his playing future was far from settled.
''I'm just, at the moment, trying to play some footy,'' he said. ''I haven't really talked about my contract stuff at the moment. It's early on in the season … hopefully, I can just keep playing some good footy and that contract stuff will take care of itself.''
A product of Souths Juniors club Kensington United, Sutton said he wanted to remain in the red and green but was coy when asked if there was interest from rival clubs, simply saying: ''Think so, maybe.''
''I'd like to stay at the club for as long as possible,'' the 28-year-old said. ''That's what I'm just trying to do … play good footy and get that stuff sorted.
''But I love Souths, I've lived here my whole life, been around here my whole life so I wouldn't want to move. But, you've got to do what you've got to do. I haven't really talked anything about contracts at the moment.''
Souths chief executive Shane Richardson told Fairfax Media he was working to ensure Sutton finished his career at Redfern.
''John Sutton started with us as an 18-year-old, he's a long-serving player and I think he'll go on to break Bob McCarthy's record for most games [211] with Souths,'' he said.
Te'o, the Queensland Origin forward who joined Souths from Brisbane at the end of last season, said playing for the Rabbitohs had enhanced his respect for Sutton.
''I never actually knew how smart he was football-wise,'' Te'o said. ''I always thought he was just a big ball-playing five-eighth/back-rower, but since I've come here I've realised he runs the ship.
''He's the brains behind everything, whether we're working a field position, which plays to put on, he's very influential at this club.''
Sutton's stats from the season's first three games wouldn't have gone unnoticed by NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley. Sutton has averaged 105.3 run metres, 12.3 runs, 20.3 tackles, 4.7 kicks and 130 kick metres per game. Crowning that was a try, 13 tackle busts. one try assist, six offloads, two line break assists and only two errors.
Te'o said while Cronulla's Todd Carney and Canterbury's Josh Reynolds had been earmarked as early contenders for the Blues' No.6 jumper, Sutton's form demanded consideration. ''He's solid defensively, he's big, he can run the ball, he can pass the ball, he's just hard to handle,'' Te'o said.
Sutton said he was well aware of what he needed to do to press his claim for an Origin call-up.
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