Dragons coach Anthony Griffin has openly elaborated on why Matt Dufty won't be returning to the Red V next season.
While the fullback is a core member of the Dragons' squad, Griffin told reporters that he's not part of the club's master plan moving forward.
Rumours that the decision was based around off-field behaviour was quickly shot down Griffin.
“Matt’s been here for five years and he’s a really good person. We haven’t got any other issues with Matt other than football-related," Griffin said, per Fox Sports.
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“I want to make that point clear, it’s never been anything off the field that we’ve had a problem (with) since I’ve been here and certainly the people that have been here before me back that up.
“We’ve got to build our list and Matt’s made a really good contribution here over the period he’s been here but come to the chase, we don’t see that going forward on our list.”
While Nicho Hynes' name has been floated around as a potential replacement for Dufty, Griffin told the media that development and youth is paramount and that the club isn't looking for a high-profile player.
“We’ve got some great young kids coming through in Cody Ramsey and (Tyrell) Sloane,” he said.
“We haven’t not offered Matt Dufty a contract so we can go out and offer a heap of money to someone else because we haven’t got a heap of money in next year’s cap.”
The question that needs to be answered now is what's next for Dufty?
A number of clubs are currently looking to lure Hynes in hope of strengthening their fullback stocks, with Dufty seen as the next best option at the No.1.
With several sides in the race for Hynes' signature, those that miss out are likely to turn their attention to the Dragons fullback.
If Griffin is all about backing youth then he needs to stop buying up ex 30 year old plus Broncos. I feel sorry for Dufty and the Dragon supporters. Making it all very public whilst the player is side-lined injured. You should never let a player go who can come back to haunt you, the Dragons are specialists at that! Half of the signed “has-beens” will still be contracted to the club long after Griffin has been punted. Extremely disappointed the direction the club is “still” headed.
I understand where you’re coming from Out-Of-Puff, and I understand Griffin’s view in that the Dragons have 2 good young fullbacks on their books as well. I feel a bit sorry for Matt Dufty but I don’t think he will be without a club in 2022. I thought he might have been worth a go in the No. 6 jersey since his passing game has improved, but it’s obviously not going to happen now.
The so called “Master Plan” has yet to be mastered, but I am encouraged by what Griffin has achieved so far this season. The Saints have only had one flogging this year, and with a bit of luck they could have been sitting level on the table with the Roosters.
Your point about the 30+ years of ex Broncos players is certainly valid, but I can’t fault McCullough’s form so far. Josh Maguire was signed for his toughness & experience, but if he doesn’t adapt to the crackdown on high tackles he won’t be playing any more first grade. I’m ok with Gerard Beale as a backup for the backs, and don’t forget he & Maguire came fairly cheap.
I too am disappointed with the results over the last few seasons, but at least Griffin has restored some pride in the team’s performances so far.
I have sat and watched and reserved judgement on the coaching to see if he can coach or if he is another “I need to change the roster” type and it is now confirmed in my eyes. The “coach” doesn’t seem to coach as the teams playing structure hasn’t really improved. It shouldn’t matter what players from the 30 are on the field the structure shouldn’t be affected. You see what happens in Melbourne, doesn’t matter a rats who is on the field the structure remains. It’s crap to blame the player talent or to put a “master plan” first. That should be secondary to coaching and getting the best out if them as a team with what you have. You are supposed to have 30 first graders who follow the structure, train to the structure and execute it under all circumstances (winning, losing, flogging or tight). They had no attacking depth on Friday night and that is a coaching fault. The coach can see it, send a message out to get your structure right. If it doesn’t happen in the first half you rip them a new one at half time. Sorry, I can’t see Griffin making this team anything but a middle table mess just like they have been for a very long time.
With no Dufty, and Lomax out, they really didn’t look like scoring. Where are the points going to come from? The “kids” shown first grade so far haven’t exactly set the world alight…
… and now another is gone with Shaun Sauni-Esau released, effective immediately.