Fullback Matt Dufty extends Dragons deal until end of 2018
St George Illawarra young gun Matt Dufty says he wants to own the Dragons famous No 1 jumper for the next 10 years after securing a new deal.
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ST GEORGE Illawarra young gun Matt Dufty says he wants to own the Dragons famous No 1 jumper for the next 10 years.
And after pumping six kilos of muscle into him over the off-season, the 22-year-old flyer has revealed how Billy Slater is inspiring him to take his game to the next level.
Dufty has been rewarded for his outstanding rookie season with a contract extension that will keep the local junior at the club until the end of 2019.
With Josh Dugan now at Cronulla, Dufty is expected to get first crack at the fullback spot this year and he wants it long term.
“It means the world,” Dufty said of his new deal.
“I grew up playing my junior footy at St George and to make my debut last year was special and now to get another year on my contract is pretty good.
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“Not having to worry about this year coming off contract I can just focus on my footy.”
“I want to make that number one spot my own and hopefully hold it for the next 10 years.”
Only this week the greatest Dragon to ever wear the Red V No 1 was laid to rest following the passing of Graeme Langlands.
But Dufty said it was the modern day champion fullback who he wants to model his game off.
“Billy Slater has been the best fullback for the last 10 years and he is obviously someone who plays similar to me,” Dufty said.
“He is my height and he is fast.
“He is definitely someone I want to try and take pointers out of his game and work them into mine.”
Dufty’s deal means the Dragons now have their entire spine locked up with Gareth Widdop, Ben Hunt and Cam McInnes all secured.
“We have a massive forward pack and probably one of the world’s best spines,” Dufty said.
“It is very exciting.”
Dufty has worked hard in the gym over the summer without losing any of his blinding speed.
“Mary (coach Paul McGregor) doesn’t want me talking about it but I have put on a few kilos,” he said.
“I am about 84kg at the minute.
“I was 78 last season.
“I am eating heaps of food and trying to do everything right.
“I am feeling pretty confident (about getting first crack at fullback) but who knows what Mary wants to do.
“But I am feeling confident and I am getting stronger.
“Last year I was really happy with the way it ended.
“I grew up playing for Penshurst RSL so that is right in Dragons territory.
“I played there from when I was four to 17.
“I played Harold Matts for St George, SG Ball for St George and 20s for St George.
“Now first grade.
“I can’t wait for the season to get started.”