Warrington Wolves

Jon Wilkin questions Warrington Wolves star’s ‘attitude and effort’ in Hull KR loss

by
Sian Reed
May 26, 2025

Sky Sports pundit Jon Wilkin has criticised Warrington Wolves fullback Matt Dufty’s efforts in defence following their loss against league leaders Hull KR.

The Wolves were on the losing end of a 31-12 scoreline, with Rovers running in six tries compared to Warrington’s two.

Whilst the Wolves were only 14-6 down at half-time, Hull KR showed why they’re the team to beat in the second half and turned their attack up a notch or two.

It wasn’t Rovers’ best performance of the season, but they did enough to win, meaning Warrington now lurk in ninth position in the league, four points off a play-off spot.

Sky Sports’ Jon Wilkin pinpointed one player in particular who he felt could have done more for two of Rovers’ first-half tries with Warrington fullback Matt Dufty the man he highlighted.

When recalling Hull KR’s first try by Jack Broadbent, Wilkin said: “If you look at Matt Dufty, I want you watch the lack of urgency from him to get into this shot.

“It’s a dreadful miss from Rodrick Tai, but my question is: where’s Matt Dufty in that picture?”

Warrington Wolves fullback’s inconsistent performances in 2025

In fact, the fullback only made four tackles in the eighty minutes in a disappointing night for the Australian.

Whilst he can create a moment of magic and has done many times for the Wolves since joining in late 2022, he’s struggled with consistency, especially in his defence, as his positioning is often called into question.

In attack against Hull KR, he only made 92 metres from 22 carries, and considering the Wolves had 52% possession, he didn’t see as much of the ball as he’d have liked. His kick also set up Josh Thewlis to score in the corner.

He’s second in Super League’s metre-making charts in 2025 so far, second only to Wigan Warriors’ Liam Marshall, as well as third in carries overall but Friday night wasn’t his night according to Wilkin, who questioned his lack of attempt in defending Hull KR’s third try, as Mikey Lewis scored just before the half-time hooter sounded.

Wilkin added: “Again, we see Matt Dufty just give up on the play. Get in this, tackle him. That’s attitude and that’s effort. My question is this: is Matt Dufty just waiting for George Williams to come back, or is he going to have a crack?”