Dufty Scorches Brisbane As Dragons Coach Deflects On Fullback’s Future

St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Matt Dufty has scorched the Brisbane Broncos on Thursday night, in what was his first game since being told he won’t be re-signed by the club.

The 25-year-old finished the game with five try assists and two tries, as the Red V proved too strong for the Broncos at Kogarah Oval, running out 52-24 winners.

Just last week, Dragons coach Anthony Griffin confirmed the club would not be offering the speedster a new deal, in a move that left the club’s fans frustrated and confused.

Speaking to the media after the five-star performance, Griffin praised the No.1 but deflected any questions about Dufty’s future with the club.

“I thought he was really good. He’s quick, we got on the front-foot and he did a really good job there,” he said. 

“It just helps Matt and it helps our team. He has been out for a while, as has (Mikaele) Ravalawa, and they were both really good tonight. He had a really good game Matt – he made the most of the opportunities he got.

“Look, tonight was a really good performance. He has been out for a while. Tonight, as a club – Matt Dufty, Ben Hunt, de Belin when he got on – we were very good. We were still a little bit loose. I thought it was a really good performance by a lot of people.

“I can understand that (fans are confused). There are a lot of things that go into that. It’s not about one game or a performance.”

Griffin was asked multiple times by reporters whether the Dragons would change their stance on his contract situation, but continued to shy away from the topic. 

What made matters worse is that the player who is set to replace the Penshurst RSL junior next year – Cody Ramsey – finished the game with four errors and looked shaky under the high-ball, which has been a criticism of their current custodian. 

Griffin’s men had struggled over the past month, and he said he was happy to see his side return to form, albeit against a struggling Brisbane outfit.

“I thought the way we just built pressure (was good), we haven’t been clean with the ball for a long time,” he said.

“The first half with the ball we were good, and the second half we were 14/14 for the first 25 minutes. They got to enjoy themselves with the football. That was the best thing we did – just laid all the groundwork for a really good performance.

“We need to enjoy tonight. It has been a really tough month – last time we were here we probably should have beaten the Sharks, but we didn’t get that reward.”

St George Illawarra will look to build momentum and hold onto their spot in the top eight next weekend when they take on the Bulldogs.

As for Dufty, question marks still remain over where he will land next year.

Kevin Walters refused to comment on the possibility of signing the Dragons star, while rumours are circling that Canterbury may be interested in his services for 2022 and beyond.