Warrington Wolves Praise Standout Performer Matt Dufty After Challenge Cup Semi-Final Success
Warrington, England (Source: Sky Sports Rugby League)
Warrington Wolves’ head coach Sam Burgess and acting captain George Williams heaped praise on Australian full-back Matt Dufty following the team’s resounding 46-10 victory over Huddersfield Giants in the Challenge Cup semi-final on Sunday.
Dufty, who joined the Wolves last July, was instrumental in Warrington’s dominant display, scoring a brace of tries and setting up a try for winger Matty Ashton. But it was the 27-year-old’s defensive work that impressed Burgess the most, as the Wolves limited the Giants to just 10 points.
“You’ve got to give Dufts (Matt Dufty) credit,” said Burgess. “The cameras don’t necessarily pick it up, but the players certainly respect what he’s doing for us and for them out the back. He’s making more of those (one-on-one) tackles than he misses now, and to me they’re more important than scoring them (tries).”
Williams, who also joined Warrington last year after being released from his Canberra Raiders contract, echoed Burgess’ sentiments, describing Dufty as a “confidence player” whose impressive preseason work has paid dividends.
“Throughout his career, he’s always scored tries that nobody else can, but now it’s all about the effort areas and what he’s doing for the team,” said Williams. “He’s pleasing to watch, he’s easy to watch and I’ll give Sam a big rap because he got him on side straight away.”
Dufty’s standout performance has helped Warrington book their first trip to Wembley since 2019, and the Wolves will be hoping their Australian star can continue his rich vein of form as they prepare to compete for the prestigious Challenge Cup trophy.
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