NRL Rd 17 - Cowboys v Dragons
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Matt Dufty of the Dragons is tackled by Jake Clifford of the Cowboys during the round 17 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the St George Illawarra Dragons at QCB Stadium on September 06, 2020 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Dragons are set to shut down the Raiders' hopes of landing Matt Dufty on an immediate release, with the Saints understood to be keen on keeping their in-form fullback until season's end.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, the Raiders have weighed up making a move for the 25-year-old that would see him join the Green Machine for the remainder of the 2021 season.

While reports suggest no official request has been made by the Raiders, the Dragons are understood to be ready to shoot down offers that would see Dufty depart Kogarah anytime soon.

With a top-eight finish well within Anthony Griffin's sights, Dufty firms as a valuable asset to the club's second half of the season, particularly given his recent two-try, five-try-assist outing against the Broncos.

That performance has sky-rocketed Dufty's stocks after St George Illawarra and Griffin revealed he would not be offered a new deal past 2021.

The Raiders are one of several keen suitors for the New South Welshman and would see an immediate move to the nation's capital as a key acquisition given the absence of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad for the rest of the season through injury.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad of the Raiders passes the ball during the round nine NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Canberra also have an opened list spot following the release of halfback George Williams and would have the financial backing to be able to accompany the fee Dufty would demand.

News Corp's report also reveals that Dufty is set to meet with the Raiders this week as the Green Machine weigh up an offer for the 78-gamer.