ONE former St George Illawarra fullback revived the career of another to help sink the Dragons last Saturday – and end the tenure of their coach.
Fullback Matt Dufty played his first NRL game in four years and it was for South Sydney against the club that brought him into the top flight.
And Dufty was only there because of another of the joint venture’s top custodians, Rabbitohs assistant Ben Hornby, that it happened as the Bunnies ran out 30-12 winners
“Benny’s known me since I was 16,” Dufty told 2GB. “He’s taught me a lot of life lessons and he’s someone who’s always believed in me.
“When I called him it was not to go to Souths. I was just asking for some advice, what he thinks I should do.
“I still had plenty of footy left in me and Benny and Wayne (Bennett), they always love a story so…
“Benny, he’s just always believed in me and I can’t thank him enough.”
Reflecting on his 88 games for Warrington, Dufty said: “It’s been a wild ride.
“When you go to Super League, you never think you’re gonna come back.
“I’m lucky enough to get another chance. I’m just grateful to Ben Hornby and Wayne Bennett, you know?
“They gave me that opportunity and just to get out here again is surreal.
“I’ve played a lot of footy now. I’m 30. It was just to go out there and play my game.
“I think I’ve matured a lot since I left. I don’t push the pass … well, I threw an intercept but I try to play a bit more reserved, get through the game and just do the little things right. No errors, stuff like that.”
St George Illawarra foward Jaydn Su’A became the first player sent off in two seasons as Latrell Mitchel scored a hat-trick for South Sydney.
Su’A, a former South Sydney player who recently announced he is leaving the Dragons, struck Cameron Murray in the head with 11 minutes to go in the Bunnies’ 30-12 win at Accor Stadium.
“Not here to talk – direct contact shoulder to head, it’s a send-off,” said referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski.
The last player sent off in the NRL was PNG Test centre Justin Olam in round 22, 2024.
