Bulldogs fullback Matt Dufty’s monster performance shuts critics up

After he was hammered for a shocker of a performance last week, the Bulldogs’ Matt Dufty has delivered an answer for critics.

Matt Dufty has bounced back. Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Rabbitohs have blown the Bulldogs away in their Easter weekend clash winning 36-16, courtesy of a Damien Cook hattrick.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring and were dominant to start the game, with Kyle Flanagan spotting winger Brent Naden in space to cross for an easy try.

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As the end of the first half loomed, the momentum completely shifted after hooker Jeremy Marshall-King was sin binned for repeated infringements.

Jason Demetriou’s men went on to score four tries within 14 minutes, including two back-to-back four pointers from Blues and Kangaroos hooker Damien Cook.

On the Rabbitohs side, Cody Walker was able to find glimpses of his sizzling 2021 form in the second half while Cook was unstoppable.

With only four minutes left, outside back Isaiah Tass was able to burst through the line, getting an arm free to slam the ball down on his Rabbitohs debut to seal the dominant win.

But while Matt Dufty’s Bulldogs didn’t get the win, the fullback bounced back from a shocker against the Panthers in a brilliant performance.

The 26-year-old is currently playing for his future, coming off contract at the end of the 2022 season.

Matt Dufty is still a threat. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

After heavy criticism of his performance last week, Dufty came out firing, doubling his 41 run metres against the Panthers within 20 minutes of kick-off against the Rabbitohs.

Dufty didn’t record a single tackle break last round, but finished the first half with four.

“My goodness this is a completely different Dufty from last week,” Fox League’s Dan Ginnane said of the star.

One particular moment in the first half caught the eye of Fox League’s James Hooper.

Lock Josh Jackson charged at the line, popping the ball off his inside hip to a flying Matt Dufty who was desperately close to breaking the line.

Hooper explained the former Dragons fullback was under fire for his lack of involvement in the attacking end against the Panthers, before explaining the run was “great signs” for Bulldogs fans.

Despite struggling for possession late in the first half and the whole second period, Dufty remained one of his side’s biggest threats in attack.

“No one will be saying Matt Dufty didn’t put his hand up for his side this week,” Ginnane said as Dufty again looked threatening late in the second half.

Dufty finished the game with an impressive 170 run metres, 17 runs and six tackle breaks in a stark contrast to his Round 5 performance.

Originally published as Bulldogs fullback Matt Dufty’s monster performance shuts critics up