NRL 2021: Dragon Matt Dufty could spark bidding war | Saint, Sinner, Shoosh

St George Illawarra could be forced to fend off cashed-up rivals — check out the latest NRL and sporting news and rumours in Summer Buzz.

Matt Dufty celebrates after scoring a try for the Dragons. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

A blitzkrieg of a season start could see Matt Dufty become one of the hottest players on the open market, with several NRL clubs closely monitoring the Dragons’ flyer.

In the attacking class of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Josh Addo-Carr at his best, Dufty could earn himself a career-altering deal by stepping up to the next level in 2021.

The Dragons will be forced to fend off cashed-up rivals should the match-breaker find the type of week-to-week consistency that has made Papenhuyzen a household name after less than two seasons in the NRL.

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Matt Dufty could be one of the hottest free agents of 2021 if he can fix the errors in his game. Picture: Getty Images.

Dufty will also need to eliminate the errors that have plagued the start of his NRL career. He is backing himself to earn the deal that will set him up for life and will not be rushed into re-signing with St George on an “unders” deal.

The enigmatic No.1’s first job will be to see off a challenge from Cody Ramsey, with the rising star out to make a full-time switch to fullback.

Check out all the latest NRL and sports chatter and more in Summer Buzz.

SAINT

Will Pucovski for letting us all know that it is OK to ask for help by openly speaking about his mental health battles before announcing himself as Australia’s next Test star. Pucovski spoke about the issues that saw him turn his back on a potential Test debut in 2019 before sizzling in Sydney with a first-up 62.

SINNER

Ravi Shastri for putting the Test series at risk by refusing to wear a face mask. The Indian coach ignored COVID-19 protocols after suggestions his team would boycott the Gabba Test because of “harsh” hotel quarantine conditions.

SPOTTED

Josh Reynolds at Sydney airport before his flight to Manchester to start his Super League career with Hull FC. His NRL career might be over but we are tipping the now former Tiger’s social media sparring will continue.

The Tigers have fenced off Concord oval due to the Sydney COVID surge.

SPOTTED

The fences going up at Concord before the Wests Tigers resumed pre-season training on Thursday. The Tigers were hoping to return to normality but the new COVID threat has placed the NRL back in a “bubble-in-waiting”.

SPOTTED

Todd Greenberg set tongues wagging when he was spotted in a corporate box with interim Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley and chief executive of Foxtel Patrick Delany. Some claim the out-of-work former NRL boss is a smoky to get the top job at CA ahead of Hockley when a new full-time CEO is announced. Greenberg was an administrator at NSW Cricket before going on to run Stadium Australia, the Bulldogs and finally the NRL.

Peni Terepo retired from the NRL in 2020 after struggling with epilepsy. Picture: Supplied.

TEREPO CHOPS INTO NEXT CHAPTER

Popular Parramatta forward Peni Terepo has been inundated with approaches to return to rugby league.

But the Tongan international maintains — for now at least — that his days of playing the game he loves are grounded.

Terepo, 29, quit the Eels midway through last season — leaving Eels fans stunned he’d walked away from the game.

But Terepo says the time was right for a change of direction.

He has since opened up his own butcher shop in Queen St, Campbelltown.

“I did an apprenticeship as a butcher when I was 18 and playing junior representative footy with the Eels,” Terepo says.

“I really enjoyed it and always had a burning desire to one day be my own boss and have a crack at running my own business.

“Footy provided that opportunity for me and I’m truly grateful — it’s up to me now to do the rest.”

Three leading English rugby league clubs and two NRL sides have recently inquired with Terepo’s management if he would consider a return to the game, but for now he is happy carving it up away from the playing field.

Josh Mansour may not be wanted at Penrith but other clubs are ready to pounce. Picture: Getty Images.

STAR WINGER A WANTED MANSOUR

The Dragons and Tigers have made discreet inquiries about signing Josh Mansour in a move that has landed the Rabbitohs in a three-way fight for him.

Mansour was thought to be a done deal with the Rabbitohs but the fresh interest from both St George and Wests Tigers will delay any deal.

Mansour is shaping as a bargain buy, with the Panthers almost certain to pay for part of his deal after telling the contracted player he was free to move on.

END OF THE ROAD FOR HOLDSWORTH

Lee Holdsworth will be a surprise omission from the V8 grid this year, with the popular veteran unable to secure a full-time deal for 2021.

After two strong years in a Tickford-prepared Ford, Holdsworth was dumped just seven weeks out from the season start.

“After 15 years of Supercars, it’s all come to an end,” Holdsworth said.

“It’s come as a shock and it feels premature, but that’s the way it’s played out.

“I’ve been fortunate to have such a long stint in the sport and I am extremely grateful to those who have been a part of it.”

Holdsworth, 37, said he would continue in the sport as a Bathurst co-driver.