Warrington Wolves play Wigan Warriors in a must-game win without star Matt Dufty and Sam Burgess has explained why, with Sky Sports’ pundit Jon Wilkin highlighting the club’s lack of discipline throughout the year.
Reports emerged early this week from All Out Rugby League that Matt Dufty would be sat down for the crunch test against Wigan, however, he was named to the 21-man squad casting some doubt.
Those reports came true with Dufty not selected to the 17-man squad as Stefan Ratchford deputised at full-back, leading Sky Sports’ Brian Carney to question the decision.
He explained: “You tell me why that if we’re billing this as a must-win game, but we’ve got no Matt Dufty for the Warrington Wolves.”
To that, Jon Wilkin pointed to the club’s ill-discipline throughout the year, stating: “I think it’s been an issue for Warrington all year. Zane Musgrove has had to leave because of disciplinary issues and now Matt Dufty misses training and leaves his coach with no choice but to stand him down.”
Sam Burgess explains why Warrington Wolves stood down Matt Dufty
Sam Burgess would then explain his call, revealing that Dufty had missed a training session and was stood down as a result of that.
“It’s an internal discipline thing. Matt missed a session earlier in the week and it’s happened to other players throughout the year so we sit him down and he’ll miss a game,” Burgess confirmed.
“I will say he’s been great since and he’s behaving himself and in good spirits, we’ll see him back next week.”
Jon Wilkin further speculated that it could be the latest in a number of issues, expressing surprise at the fact it would be a one-game stand-down based off ‘one thing’
Wilkin argued: “It’s a big decision to be making off one thing. He may well be late in for training but there might be a whole host of reasons.
“There’s always more information than we get. There’s got to be more to it than just being late once.
“Matt Dufty, we’re sad not to see him play but Sam Burgess had to prove his point.”
Sam Tomkins highlighted how big the absence of the Australian full-back would be, stating: “I think that without Matt Dufty, I don’t know where Warrington’s points come from tonight. We’ve got George Williams who will be creative but he’s gone from Matt Dufty to Stefan Ratchford at the back, I just don’t think they have strike on the edges without Dufty.
“Dufty and George Williams are the key to Warrington doing anything good and they’re missing that tonight.”
Can the Wolves keep their play-off hopes alive or will the Warriors reduce the gap at the top? 🤔
Find out on @SkySports this evening 📺#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/HnjrZIBCrY
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