Where will Matt Dufty be playing in 2022? Ranking the Dragons fullback’s likely destinations

In shock news last week, St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Matt Dufty has been told he is no longer wanted by the club, and now looks set to move on at the end of 2021.

The 25-year-old is one of the most exciting players in the competition, and has the ability to create points by himself at any stage.

Dufty possesses insane speed, crisp ball-playing and elusive footwork, making him a great pick-up for a number of rival NRL clubs.

There have always been question marks over his defence and positional play, but there is no doubt that the positives could outweigh the negatives if Dufty was in the right system. 

And with the in-demand Nicho Hynes joining Cronulla and Will Kennedy also re-signing with the Sharks, Dufty’s name will certainly be linked with a few clubs in the coming weeks.

We’ve gone ahead and ranked the most likey destinations for Dufty in 2022 below. 

1. BRISBANE BRONCOS

Another club without a secure long-term fullback, Brisbane are another club reportedly interested in Dufty for next season and now appear a genuine front-runner for his services. 

After missing out on their prime target in Nicho Hynes, the door is certainly open for the St George Illawarra speedster to head north and join the Broncos next year. 

Jamayne Isaako has been shuffled in and out of the fullback position in recent years, but has shown glimpses of his potential at the back so far this year. 

The Penshurst RSL junior would benefit from playing alongisde an elite halfback in Adam Reynolds, as well as a strong forward pack including the likes of Payne Haas and Tevita Pangai Jr. 

2. CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Definitely a club that could do with Dufty’s speed and creativity, sources can reveal the club have already put some feelers out there for the fullback for next season. 

Canterbury have struggled for points for many years and it hasn’t changed too much in 2021 with new halves Kyle Flanagan and Jake Averillo. 

The only thing potentially standing in the way would be Josh Addo-Carr, who had been rumoured to be offered the No.1 role when he moves to Belmore next year.

If we were to place a bet on where the 25-year-old lands in 2022, the Bulldogs are near the top of the list. 

3. CANBERRA RAIDERS

With regular fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad sidelined with a neck injury, the Green Machine have struggled recently and Ricky Stuart could be searching for answers.

Canberra have recently lost George Williams, with the English playmaker moving home and they are now a man down in the spine long-term.

Dufty’s ability to create points would surely entice the Raiders, even if it meant moving him into the halves or shuffling things around with Nicoll-Klokstad in the backline.

It may be a left-field option, but it is certainly one that could work for both parties if executed well. 

4. NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

This move was in the works for quite a while, with Dufty a potential replacement for departing fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Unfortunately for the Dragons star, the Warriors have now gone and signed Reece Walsh and he looks to be their long-term choice at the back after starring in his first five games of NRL.

They could still go after Dufty for next year and move Walsh to five-eighth – but at this stage, that looks an unlikely move. 

5. GOLD COAST TITANS

Another club that had been chasing Dufty in the past, the Red V speedster remained at the club last year despite some keen interest from the Titans.

It led to a career resurgence for the fullback, who went on to lock down the Dragons’ starting spot. 

There is a slim chance he ends up on the Gold Coast for next year, but there’s always the possibility of playing AJ Brimson in the halves and Dufty at fullback.