Burgess endorsement key to Dufty's South Sydney resurgence

Matt Dufty's unexpected impact at South Sydney, where he has become a revelation at fullback, was significantly influenced by a strong endorsement from former Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess, according to the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) NRL.

Burgess' glowing character reference to coach Wayne Bennett was pivotal in securing Dufty, who joined the club on a reported bargain deal after leaving Warrington Wolves.

Dufty's pathway back to NRL

Dufty's return to the National Rugby League (NRL) came after he was released by Warrington following Christmas, as he and his partner, Meg, were expecting their first child and did not wish to return to the UK for the 2026 season. Warrington honored a substantial portion of his contract, alleviating immediate pressure to find a new club, the SMH NRL reported regarding his departure.

His current arrangement with the Rabbitohs sees him earn $1200 weekly as a full-time training wage, supplemented by $3000 in match payments for each game. This financial structure highlights the value South Sydney is receiving from the veteran fullback.

Dufty's form has been so compelling that he has cemented his spot in the starting side, notably keeping highly-rated Jye Gray out of the No.1 jersey. This performance follows a career path that began at St George Illawarra, included a brief stint with the Bulldogs, and saw a significant revival in the Super League from mid-2022.

Burgess' assessment and impact

Burgess, who coached Dufty at Warrington, conveyed to Bennett that he knew Dufty's capabilities and believed he could handle the NRL again. He described Dufty as a talented player and a "student of the game" who had matured physically and learned to play tougher at Warrington, according to the SMH NRL quoting Burgess directly.

The decision for Dufty to leave Warrington was framed by Burgess as a necessary "circuit-breaker" for the player, despite their strong working relationship. Burgess noted that Dufty made positive life changes, which are now reflected in his on-field performances.

Dufty himself confirmed Bennett's intention to contact Burgess for a character reference before he joined Souths. He highlighted the strong relationship between Burgess and Bennett, and expressed gratitude for the positive review he received. Dufty also credited assistant coach Ben Hornby, whom he has known since age 16, for initially suggesting to Bennett that the club consider him.

Looking ahead for South Sydney

Dufty's continued strong play will be crucial for the Rabbitohs as they navigate the season. His integration has provided stability at the back, allowing the team to focus on other areas of their game. Fans can follow the latest rugby scores and results for the NRL and other competitions.

The trust placed in Dufty, backed by Burgess' insight, appears to be paying dividends for South Sydney, transforming what could have been a stop-gap signing into a key component of their lineup.