‘Thanks Sammy, mate’: Burgess’ role in Dufty comeback
Jasper Bruce |
Matt Dufty can thank Sam Burgess’s advice to stop drinking alcohol and focus on footy for his form since returning to the NRL this year.
But the fullback may need to continue his comeback elsewhere in 2027, with South Sydney’s top-30 roster close to full.
Dufty has been a bargain buy for the Rabbitohs this year, starting at fullback in five of seven first-grade games, playing on a NSW Cup contract.
The 30-year-old most recently set up three tries in Sunday’s 26-24 upset win against Newcastle, the Rabbitohs’ first victory without both Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker in 11 starts.
The result capped a brilliant afternoon for the Rabbitohs, who had been celebrating the 31st birthday of ex-forward Jai Arrow following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease.
Coach Wayne Bennett had ousted reliable Jye Gray from fullback in the hopes Dufty could provide extra spark in the absence of Walker, and the decision paid off.
“Obviously I knew I could create some things if I got the opportunity and I did tonight. I was pretty happy,” Dufty told AAP.
The ex-St George Illawarra and Canterbury player returned to the NRL this year following a three-and-half-year stint with English side Warrington, coached by Souths legend Burgess.
Dufty has not had a beer since his homecoming in December, preferring a can of soft drink after Sunday’s game.
Admitting he was a bit too keen on drinking towards the end of his English sojourn, Dufty gave up the grog amid his wife’s pregnancy, and some advice from his old coach.
“Towards the end of my English career, I probably went out a bit too much and lost sight of what footy was and why I was playing it,” the father-of-one said.
“I was becoming a dad so I thought, Meg had to be off the piss for nine months.
“Me and Sammy are good friends, and a bit of advice from Sammy (to quit drinking), so thanks Sammy, mate. It’s been good, Wayne checks in on me.
“I’m off social media, I’m off the piss, I think those two help (with football).”
Souths are unlikely to be in a position to offer Dufty a top-30 contract for 2027, with Gray still considered the club’s first-choice custodian.
Latrell Mitchell and Alex Johnston are also able to cover fullback.
Whatever the future holds, Dufty feels like every day in the NRL is a bonus.
“I’m not too sure what I’m doing next year,” he said.
“There’s no pressure. I had nothing before and I’ve got nothing now. It’s just go out and play my best footy.
“Good footy usually solves most problems. That’s the philosophy I’m running with.”
AAP