Written by Joshua Dean
On Thursday night, we saw Matthew Dufty produced a near-perfect performance against the Brisbane Broncos, with two tries and five try assists.
Just watching that match alone would lead many to think that he was locked up at the Dragons for the future. However, this is not the case, with the club already announcing that they are letting Dufty at the season’s end.
Many clubs are struggling with their fullback position and a player like Matt Dufty could change the course of a club’s future. One club that has been increasingly linked with the Penshurst RSL junior is the team he had a big hand in annihilating on Thursday evening, the Brisbane Broncos. The club are struggling with their recruitment, having lost homegrown talents like David Fifita and Xavier Coates, while also missing out on marquee signings such as Nicho Hynes recently.
Signing Dufty could be a real game changer for the Broncos, even if they have to pay slightly over other competitors. He is only 25 years old and it feels like he has found himself as a footballer.
Dufty’s greatest asset would have to be his pace on attack. The new NRL is all about speed and fitness, which he has both. For the Broncos, signing Dufty would add something completely new and different to their stale attack at the best of times. His speed would be a major asset for the Broncos in 2022 if they can get the deal over the line.
Too fast! Matt Dufty wins our play of the week 🔥 #redv pic.twitter.com/vczShdt8p9
— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) June 5, 2021
Due to his speed, he is one of the games most consistent fullbacks when it comes to line and tackle breaks accumulated in attack. In every game this season apart from round six, Dufty has made at least one line or tackle break. This again would be of great help to the Queensland club, who tend to struggle with their attack.
One weakness to Dufty’s game is his defence. Many believe he isn’t good enough to be a world-class fullback due to his defence, however, this is just an example of an agenda. When analysing stats, whilst he isn’t among top fullbacks when it comes to defensive metrics, he isn’t the worst either. So, even though Dufty isn’t the greatest defensive player, his attack alone should be enough to convince the Broncos management he is worth signing.
It is obvious that Matthew Dufty has the talent to go far in the NRL, and in a league where having a quailty fullback can significantly boost your chances of winning, the Broncos must pounce on him before someone else does.
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