Where Will Matt Dufty Be Playing In 2022? Ranking The Fullback’s Likely Destinations

In shock news this 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. 

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

1. CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Definitely the club most in need of Dufty’s services and what he brings to the table.

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 25-year-old would bring some much-needed speed and creativity to the Bulldogs, and sources can reveal the club have already put some feelers out there for Dufty. 

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 Dufty lands in 2022, the Bulldogs are at the very top of the list. 

2. BRISBANE BRONCOS

Another club without a secure long-term fullback, Brisbane are another club reportedly interested in Dufty for next season.

While their main priority appears to be Nicho Hynes, they will have some competition. St George Illawarra have entered the race for the Storm utility as a replacement for Dufty. 

Jamayne Isaako has been shuffled in and out of the 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 Payne Haas and Tevita Pangai Jr. 

3. CRONULLA SHARKS

While their current fullback Will Kennedy is in some great form, he’s still without a deal for next season and there doesn’t seem to be a rush to keep him at this stage.

Dufty and Kennedy are extremely equal on stats this year. The pair both have 8 tries and 6 linebreaks to their names, with the Sharks fullback one ahead in terms of try assists and Dufty ahead on metres per game and tackle breaks. 

He could certainly be an option that Craig Fitzgibbon looks at, but their first objective will be sorting out their halves for next season.

4. NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

This 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, it looks unlikely. 

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.