Jye Gray's short-lived return to the first-grade side for the South Sydney Rabbitohs is over, and Wayne Bennett has provided the clearest indication yet it isn't about to change.
Gray, who was re-signed as one of the game's best young players on a long-term deal by the Rabbitohs prior to the November 1 deadline last year started the season at fullback for South Sydney, but has been limited in opportunities in recent times.
He was last the first-choice fullback for the Rabbitohs in Round 18, having originally spent Round 12 against the Cowboys out of the side.
Since Round 18, he has had just four games, with two of those off the bench, one against the Eels in Round 23 starting on the wing, and at fullback against last week, but on Tuesday, Dufty was returned to the number one jumper, with it appearing he may have been rested.
Speaking to the media on Thursday after the club's captain's run ahead of the knockout game against the Newcastle Knights, Bennett all but confirmed Dufty is in the role because he believes he is the best option.
"It wasn't the plan, but he is our best option there at the moment," Bennett said.
"He is a good decision maker out there and he adds a bit to Cody's game, and a bit to Bud Sullivan's game, because he is pretty handy with the football and making decisions out a little bit wider which we need in the modern game."
Dufty has had an incredible season, given he started on a train and trial deal with the Rabbitohs.
After setting the NSW Cup on fire, Dufty was pushed into first-grade amid injuries, and has since taken over the jersey despite still not having a contract locked up for next year.
Dufty, in his 14 games, is averaging 227 metres per game, but when it's then added that two of those games saw a combined 17 minutes off the bench where he made a combined total of 54 metres, his performances have been electric.
Question marks have been raised over his defensive game, but Bennett has gone for his attacking exploits, with Gray unable to grab his jersey back for the finals.
South Sydney clash with Newcastle in Sydney on Friday evening.
