Dragons fullback facing unclear future
“Right now it feels like it’s a 50/50 scenario.”
By
Jake Benoiton
-
STAFF WRITER
April 21, 2021
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21: Matt Dufty of the Dragons makes a break which lead to him scoring a try during the round 19 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the St George Illawarra Dragons at 1300SMILES Stadium on July 21, 2018 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty says his future at the Dragons is unknown and believes he is a “50-50” chance to be at the club next season.
The off-contract incumbent faces an uncertain future at Kogarah for the first time since signing an extension with the Red V in 2019 – a deal that followed just 12 months after he one prior.
Now facing another season unsigned, the 25-year-old has admitted there is a high level of unpredictability as the 2021 season progresses.
Speaking to the
Sydney Morning Herald, Dufty said his manager was handling things at the moment but said he doesn’t know where his future lies at this point.
“There are some things in the works, my manager is talking to a few other clubs, so we’ll see what happens,” he said.
“Right now it feels like it’s a 50/50 scenario [whether I stay here].
“I’d love to be at the Dragons, it feels like we’re building something really good here with the people we have and the squad we’re building.
“If you look at all the other
teams’ fullbacks, they have a decent fullback there – so if I want to play fullback, the Dragons are my best option.
TOWNSVILLE,
AUSTRALIA – JULY 21: Matt Dufty of the Dragons runs the ball during the round 19 NRL match between the
North Queensland Cowboys and the
St George Illawarra Dragons at 1300SMILES Stadium on July 21, 2018 in Townsville,
Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
“I love playing there, it’s my main position. Last year and this year I feel like I’m starting to cement myself as a fullback in the NRL.″
Dufty admitted that the angst of waiting to find out whether the Dragons want him next season or whether he should look elsewhere wasn’t easy to deal wit.
“With every week that goes by, it gets a bit more stressful.”
Dufty is not the only Dragon without a deal beyond 2021 with star
Corey Norman also without a contract.
However, Norman is far more relaxed about the potential of a new deal.
“There are plenty of spots up for grabs and with clubs needing halves. I’ll worry about it when I need to,” Norman said.
“Whatever will be will be. And I trust I’ll play good enough footy to get a contract. I’m backing myself.
“
England is too cold for me. It depends, if I don’t get a club here I might have to look over there. But that’s not where I want to be at at the minute. I’ll worry about it when the time comes.″
Other senior figures
Kaide Ellis,
Tyrell Fuimaono,
Jordan Pereira and
Brayden Wiliame are also yet to commit to the Dragons past the 2021 season.
Veteran forward
Trent Merrin announced his immediate retirement on Wednesday following a 253-game first class career.
https://www.zerotackle.com/dragons-fullback-facing-unclear-future-nrl-103451/