Melbourne Storm winger Matt Duffie ruled out for season due to ACL tear

STORM winger Matt Duffie’s shocking luck has continued with the 23-year-old suffering another season-ending injury.

Matt Duffie at training. Picture: Colleen Petch

LUCKLESS winger Matt Duffie’s career at Melbourne Storm hangs in the balance after he suffered yet another season-ending knee injury.

Duffie, 23, hurt his knee at training on Wednesday with scans yesterday confirming he had ruptured his ACL for the second time in two years.

The New Zealander, who has played just four games since Round 19, 2012, broke down in a NSW Cup game last year.

He then hurt his shoulder in his comeback and underwent both shoulder and knee operations in the off-season.

Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said Duffie, who played for the Kiwis in 2012, was devastated.

“Matt is a very well liked and respected young man by all players and staff, everyone at the club is devastated for him,” he said.

“He is understandably shattered, and the club will continue to support him in every way on and off the field.”

Duffie, off contract at the end of this season, had played both the club’s trial games this season before the incident occurred.

News_Image_File: Matt Duffie injured his ACL at training.

As the club gathered around Duffie skipper Cameron Smith, will play his first trial this weekend in Brisbane, said he wouldn’t be rushed in to making a decision on his future.

It is increasingly unlikely Storm will get its wish of resolving the matter before the opening round with Smith yesterday making it clear he intends to play hardball.

Coach Craig Bellamy recently said he was more confident Smith would stay than he was before Christmas.

But the standoff continued yesterday as Smith weighs up a big offer to join the Brisbane Broncos next year.

“That’s Craig’s opinion — I am still a fair way off making a decision,” he said.

“At the moment I’m still undecided on what my future holds.

“I agree with Craig in that ideally a decision soon would be best for everyone.

“But on my part there is no rushing the matter.

“It’s an important decision for me and my family, so I want to make sure it is the right one.”

The Broncos have made Smith a big offer in the hope of luring him north next season.

But Melbourne recently countered with a $4 million-plus package to help keep Smith at Storm for life.

“I guess there was a slight feeling that way (leaning towards Brisbane early on), but there was never a certainty,” Smith said.

“I’ve spoken to Craig a couple of times since then.

“Ideally I’d love to get it out of the way as soon as possible.

“But that might take a little bit longer.”