Canterbury coach Trent Barrett has continued his rebuild with St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty set to be unveiled as the NRL club’s latest signing.
The St George Illawarra fullback will be the latest strike addition to the Bulldogs backline for 2022 along with NSW star Josh Addo-Carr and Penrith duo Matt Burton and Brent Naden.
Barrett stopped short of confirming the deal following Saturday night’s 22-16 loss to Sydney Roosters.
“There’s been some discussion there, I’m not aware of any of the events today but we’ll find out more tomorrow I think,” he said.
“He would (be a good addition). The game is lending itself to players with X-factor at the moment and he’s certainly got that.”
“Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Brent Naden and some young blokes coming through…there is some green shoots coming and good things happening at the club and we’ve just got to keep punching.”
The Dragons fullback has been out of favour at the club this season and was told by coach Anthony Griffin he wouldn’t be re-signed beyond the end of the year.
His addition would come as another boost for the Bulldogs who fell to their 14th loss of the season at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday night.
The Sydney Roosters led early before the Bulldogs pulled level at 16-all at the half-hour mark, but it all fell apart late.
For the cellar-dwellers, the luck is running thin.
“The six to go were 10-5 against and the penalties, we were on the wrong end again, we can’t seem to get any luck at the moment with any of that,” Barrett said.
“The Sam Walker penalty when he get tackled (in the air), there wasn’t much in that, it probably happened to Lachy Lewis about three or four times.
“There are things like that we’re not getting at the moment and that happens when you’re not winning.”
Andrew
Roar Pro
Good luck to him, can only see Dufty playing as a utility though.
Larry1950
Guest
At least Dufty will be fit, given he apparently ran the 5k home from Vaughnies place the other night it appears he likes a jog around the burbs.
Paul
Roar Guru
I hope as a Dragons fan he does flourish. I'm not sure he's been handled that well by my Club.
Paul
Roar Guru
That's a really good comparison John. The other comparison I was thinking of were the goal kickers from yesteryear. Eric Simms was only a so-so defender, while both Keith Barnes and Len Kileen were not the greatest wingers the game has seen, but each were incredibly valuable to their team thanks to their goal kicking. Clubs like South & Balmain were prepared to wear these fellas missing a few tackles because they knew they could win games off their boot. As you say, a guy like Dufty might give up a try per game, but if he scores or sets up two, he's well in front
matth
Roar Guru
Are you sure it's "we drink in moderation"? Based on the players' initial responses to police should it be "we drink in isolation".
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
And fair call. The Roosters do play a good game.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Good morning Paul. Historically some players thrive with a change of clubs (coach, culture etc) however the key is their attitude. As far as Dufty’s perceived defensive frailties are concerned, I cast my mind back to Nathan Blacklock who would concede a try by being caught out of position then score 2 or 3 himself. Successful teams can cover an infrequent lapse by a player if he is able to more than compensate for it
Paul
Roar Guru
Agreed about Bennett. I think TPJ needs a coach who can get him to play within a set structure when required but also play what's in front of him, especially when the game's on the line and the opposition's tired. That's why I threw Robbo into the mix.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
probably not, sadly. You could add Uncle Wayne to that list. And I don't know about Robbo..
Crow
Roar Pro
Great signing. Duffy has been under appreciated at the Dragons. He is a quality player and could really flourish in the next few seasons. He is only 25 years of age. As an established first grader he will get the job done in any team.
Crow
Roar Pro
I got a giggle out of that. Funny. Has Vaughnie still got mates. I’m not sure too many would turn up for a BBQ any time soon. Not as stupid as Jai Aarow in my humble opinion.
Paul
Roar Guru
I wonder if Barrett's the sort of coach to get the best out of him? Siebold & Walters haven' done much. I reckon he needs a Robinson or Bellamy to really best use his talent.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
No idea to be honest, but they re talking about it so they must be able to fit him in. And he'll either be paid out or supported by Broncos so he could be a good buy. He could provide the edge they need.
Paul
Roar Guru
how much would he cost do you think and what cap space would the Doggies have left?
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
TPJ??
Paul
Roar Guru
Yeah, it's going to be hard for Barrett to hide next year, if there's little or no improvement from the Doggies. It looks like he's getting the squad he wants, so I'd have a thought a top 10 spot at least would be what supporters would be expecting.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
I'll take Vaughny but with a 'one strike and you're out' contract clause.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Looks potent. The backline will want to score 30 a game because none of them are noted defenders, and the pack still looks pretty weak And they will still have Barrett as coach
Paul
Roar Guru
I'm glad for his sake, Dufty's short term future is settled, though I'm sure he'd have wanted a year or two more on his contract. On paper, that Doggies backline next year is going to look way different from this years and pretty potent too. I wonder if they'll have the pack to match?
Addo-Carr is a lot of winger.