Former Super League full-back Matt Dufty could make his debut for South Sydney Rabbitohs this weekend but NRL rules could get in the way.
According to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, Souths have applied to the NRL for permission to promote the ex-Warrington Wolves man into their top first-grade squad.
Unlike in Super League where clubs can call up players from the reserves or academy as and when they want, in the NRL players must be in the top 30 to be able play for their club.
At present, Dufty is outside that top 30 but Souths have reportedly asked for him to be added which would be a strong indicator that he is in line to debut for the Rabbitohs.
Dufty has been very impressive in the New South Wales Cup, where he signed a deal following his Super League release, and that form combined with injuries in the first team mean the 30-year-old could be set for an NRL return.
Matt Dufty in line for NRL return
In a twist of fate, Souths play Dufty’s former club St George Illawarra this weekend with the Dragons struggling plenty of late and Dufty sure to want to compound their misery by putting in a standout performance on debut.
NRL rules could block Dufty’s dream debut though as they state that clubs must wait until after round 11 before promoting reserve grade players, unless there is an injury crisis in those particular positions.
Souths starting full-back Jye Gray is expected to miss out after leaving the field this past weekend and whilst Latrell Mitchell would be a very comptetent replacement, he will likely have to cover positions in the outside backs where Isaiah Tass (knee) and Tyrone Munro (stood down) are unavailable.
Only last week did Dufty score a hat-trick in the NSW Cup so he’s a man on form but it’s yet to be seen if the NRL will grant Souths exemption and allow the former Super League man to make his debut.
