Melbourne Storm winger Matt Duffie will join the Auckland Blues Super Rugby team at the end of this NRL season.
Duffie, 25, has played eight first grade games in 2015 after returning to the NRL line-up in round 20 following a series of serious knee and shoulder injuries that saw him miss almost three years.
The Kiwi aerial specialist spent seven seasons at the Storm for 61 appearances, having joined the club as an 18-year old but will return to the game he played as a school-boy.
The Storm offered Duffie a new two-year deal and he was also chased by the New Zealand Warriors.
“We are disappointed to see Matt leave,” Storm football director Frank Ponissi said on Saturday.
“He was in our plans for the future, however we totally understand and fully respect the personal decision he has made.
“Matt has worked extremely hard to make his return to football and it’s been fantastic to see him back out on the field doing well these last eight weeks.
“It’s been one of, if not the best, feel good story of the year”.
Duffie joins Ryan Hinchcliffe, Kurt Mann and Mahe Fonua in leaving Melbourne at season’s end.
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
Quite funny really, UNUSED Storm winger, Suliasi Vunivalu who played rugby union for Auckland Grammar (i think) was sought after by the Blues before he signed a contract to go play for the Storms who have never really given him a chance to play NRL.....he is really good ..what a waste..was expecting him to move back to Auckland, not Matt..
leftfield
Roar Pro
I'm also a little puzzled, I thought the Blues were ok for outside backs with Visinia, Nanai, Tevita Li, Ben Lam, George Moala and Rene Ranger. Although Moala and Ranger will spend a fair bit of time in the midfield I suppose.
Crashy
Guest
IZzy played some rugby at high school. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Not Bothered
Guest
Too long? Sailor, Burgess, Tuqiri, SBW, Thorn and Folau had NEVER played union and yet were a success.
Not Bothered
Guest
I dont know, you are telling the story. Nobody said that except you.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Who is responsible for the Blues recruitment? What a seriously baffling selection. Duffy is a serious injury risk and has not played rugby since he left school. The Blues don't need any more pet projects, they need smart decision makers who understand the game and who can help gel a group of raw X factor players.
duecer
Guest
Think Olympic 7's and international tests have more allure for him than the NRL comp where he can't play SOO, but think the injury run might be a worry for a long term future.
Jimmmy
Guest
The Auckland Blue better than the Melbourne Storm ????
Joe
Roar Rookie
Sad to see Duffie go. Great comeback from a horror run of injuries and hopefully he goes out a winner. All the best to the Duffman and hope he goes well at the Blues.
soapit
Guest
i assume hw wont be trying to play 10, he'll be fine
BluesMan
Guest
Welcome to the Blues and North Harbour Duffy :) good times ahead
Rugby Tragic
Guest
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Good luck to him but After the RWC, retirements and the rebuild, I think the Blues will have a decent roster... that is even though the Rio sevens squad might take a couple. I feel good about 2016 for the Blues (mind you I do every year!). I hope Tana Umaga and his trusty tribe holds onto the Ioane's long term. We need our halves sorted and midfield settled then start rattling some bones..
Aucklandlaurie
Guest
Duffie was St Kentergens 1st xv before he went to League. Looks like another Benji exercise to me, too long out of the code.
Phillnz
Guest
With all the so called billion dollar deal the NRL trumpeted , more players are leaving the a NRL for better and global competitions. The NRL has become a business and there is no loyalty , so well done , lets hope more see the light