Ahead of the Super League play-offs, Matt Dufty has opened up on why the current Warrington Wolves side are in a better place to compete for glory this season.
Last year, despite being at the right end of the table for much of the season, the Wolves dropped down to sixth, and lost in an eliminator away at St Helens.
Now, they have managed to keep up their good form throughout the season, finishing third, swapping positions with last year’s Saints side, setting up a rematch of last year – but this time at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Matt Dufty was part of that 2023 side and is hoping the side can get one back on this week’s opponents.
Matt Dufty on why this Warrington Wolves team is different
Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Speaking to the ‘By The Balls‘ podcast, Dufty praised new head coach Sam Burgess, saying: “I think for Warrington, I know they’ve probably lacked a bit of identity and a bit of DNA the last few years.
“I think Sammy (Burgess) is that type of person who’s got a goal, he’s got an idea in mind, and he’s got great values when it comes to family, club, rugby league.
“The type of player he was, he just wanted to instil a bit of toughness, belief and a bit of grit into the team.
“We’ve always had flashy players, flashy moments. I think last year we had moments of brilliance, but we’ve let ourselves down in big games.
“I think he brings that calm, head coach mentality. He’s done everything in the game, so when he tells you to do something, it’s easy to do.”
He also said this had a positive effect on the squad, saying: “I think it’s the closest group of lads I’ve been a part of in my whole career, on and off the field.
“I love going training, I love hanging out with the boys, getting coffee, you know, just any excuse to go and hang out with my teammates.
“Usually there’s a few groups that segregate themselves in most rugby league teams but this year we’ve been all really, really great.”
