Unwanted St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty said he nearly teared up when given a rockstar reception after a stellar comeback performance in the Red V on Thursday night.
As Jack de Belin returned to the NRL after nearly 1000 days out of the game to kickstart a new chapter at the Dragons, Dufty resumed against the Brisbane Broncos knowing his own time at the club was nearing an end.
Duftys two tries and five try assists came just weeks after coach Anthony Griffin made it known the fullback was not in the Dragons plans beyond this year.
Canterbury could do with a livewire fullback while league legend Billy Slater quickly nominated the Brisbane Broncos, who were towelled up 52-24 by the Dragons, as a perfect future home for Dufty.
Dufty said he was heartbroken to be told he was not wanted for 2022 and beyond, and the emotions got the better of him when given a giant cheer after full-time at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Those same Dragons supporters watched Duftys No. 1 successor, Cody Ramsey, produce one of his worst games in first grade.
Red Hill move? Matt Dufty could be excellent for the Broncos.Credit:Getty Images
Obviously I love the Dragons, I grew up in the St George area, played all my juniors here, debuted here, I love playing at the Dragons, so it was obviously very heartbreaking, Dufty said.
It was a hard pill to swallow. It was a bit of a shock, but I just had to let it go and move forward.
