Why Paul McGregor’s concern for Matt Dufty could prove to be finals masterstroke
PAUL McGregor’s decision to axe Matt Dufty to the bench two games before the finals left many in the game scratching their heads. It can now be revealed McGregor made the decision out of concern for his young star.
Dragons
Don't miss out on the headlines from Dragons. Followed categories will be added to My News.
ST GEORGE Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty has opened up about his axing to the bench against Canterbury in round 24.
The decision by coach Paul McGregor left many experts bewildered. Some said it was a desperate move to help spark his side’s form. Others claimed McGregor was sending the message that no-one’s spot in his team was guaranteed.
But The Daily Telegraph can reveal McGregor made the decision out of concern for his young star.
In a courageous move, Dufty reached out to his coach and admitted he was struggling with the every day demands of being an NRL player.
“I was just fatigued mentally and physically, especially the last couple of weeks before the Knights game,” he said.
“I was a bit down, I was a bit tired. I went and spoke to Mary about it and he’s a very understanding coach.
“He sat me on the bench.”
A hamstring injury to centre Euan Aitken early in that match against the Bulldogs meant Dufty ended up playing over 60 minutes from the bench.
So to ensure the fullback had the chance to re-energise, McGregor also granted Dufty some time off in the leading up to their final game of the regular season.
“I really didn’t get a rest on the bench because I had to go and play,” Dufty said.
“So I got two days off the next week before the Knights game. I only had to come in for Captain’s run.
MORE NRL FINALS NEWS
Teams for week two of the NRL finals
‘Easy target’ Dugan lashes negative media
Paul Kent: Concussion on Graham’s mind
“To get away from footy for a couple of days really helped me personally.
“I came back full of confidence and how I felt earlier in the year. I was full of energy and just happy to be around footy again.”
The Penshurst junior also revealed he was beginning to feel guilty about not being able to deal with his struggles.
“It’s a long year. It’s my first full season in the NRL and I was just feeling tired.
“I didn’t think it was fair to the boys for me to feel like that which is why I went and spoke to Mary about it all.”
McGregor’s prescriptions for dealing with Dufty’s troubles was exactly what the doctor ordered.
On Tuesday, the speedster couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he spoke about playing in his first ever finals game against Brisbane.
Normally cool and composed, Dufty revealed he was a nervous wreck in the dressing room on Sunday afternoon as he waited to run out onto Suncorp Stadium.
“I don’t normally get nervous but I was really nervous actually and full of energy. Usually I take my time to get ready but I was in the sheds dressed really early was ready to get out there and play,” he said.
“I hadn’t had that energy since earlier in the year, since I made my debut. That’s how it felt.”
He wasn’t the only one jumping out of his skin to play on the weekend.
Dufty says the entire Dragons dressing room was buzzing with positive energy and that had continued into this week ahead of their semi-final against South Sydney.
“I’m walking around smiling and I’m just so happy to be here. I’ve got that feeling and I think most of the boys do.”
Get ready for cricket like never before. FREE Sport HD + Entertainment until the first 4K cricket ball as part of 3 months free on a 12 month plan. SIGN UP TODAY. T&Cs apply.