Dufty superb as Dragons run up a score against Brisbane

Fullback Matt Dufty showcased his vast array of skills as the Dragons overpowered Brisbane 52-24 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium on Thursday night.

In his first game back from a shoulder injury, Dufty produced a club record-equalling five try assists and scored two of his own as Anthony Griffin’s men arrested a three-game losing streak.

Dufty is off contract at the end of 2021 and won’t be offered a new deal by the Dragons but plenty of clubs are sure to come calling based on his dismantling of the Broncos.

After David Mead had opened the scoring for Brisbane in the eighth minute, Dufty dummied his way past Tyson Gamble and found Jack Bird in support for the home side’s first of the night.

Brayden Wiliame beat three defenders on his way to the line in the 21st minute before youngster TC Robati grabbed his first NRL try to level the scores at 12-12.

The Broncos then took the lead when Robati made it a double before Dufty produced another magical pass to send Gerard Beale across in the 33rd minute.

Just when it seemed the teams would head to the sheds locked at 18-18, a Jamayne Isaako brain fade allowed the Dragons to take the lead.

From a set scrum 30 metres out, Dragons five-eighth Corey Norman kicked ahead and Isaako inexplicably let the ball roll around in goal and Dufty pounced to score.

Robati’s night turned sour early in the second half when he was sin binned for contact to the head on Poasa Faamausili and the Red V scored twice while he was off the field.

At 36-18 the game was in the bag but Dufty had more tricks up his sleeve, sending a long ball over the top for Mikaele Ravalawa to plunge over in the 58th minute.

Halfback Ben Hunt capped a fine game when he scored a solo try in the 65th minute to blow the score out to 46-18 – the most points the Dragons have scored in a match this season.

Jesse Arthars grabbed a consolation try for Brisbane off a well weighted Gamble kick but the damage had been done and Kevin Walters’ men were consigned to a 10th loss for the year.

Dufty put a fitting end to proceedings with his second try of the night from a sweeping move down the right with two minutes remaining.