Trent Barrett has confirmed Canterbury are in advanced discussions with Matt Dufty amid rumours the unwanted St George Illawarra full-back has signed with the Bulldogs.
The Dragons in May told the star full-back his services won’t be required beyond the current campaign.
Dufty met with the Canberra Raiders last month but reports the Bulldogs have signed the 25-year-old surfaced during Saturday’s 22-16 loss to the Sydney Roosters.
Speaking after the narrow defeat Barrett claimed he was unaware of any developments on Saturday but confirmed Dufty is firmly on the struggling Bulldogs’ radar.
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“Yeah I’m not sure, no, there’s been some discussions there, I’m not aware of any of the events today, we’ll find out more tomorrow I think,” Barrett said when asked if Dufty has committed to the club.
Pressed on whether he expects Dufty to sign with the club on Sunday, Barrett replied: “I’m not sure, I’ve sort of been off air all day, I’m not sure the events of today but we’ve had some discussion with him but I’m not sure how far it’s gone yet.”
Dufty’s arrival would be another major addition to the Bulldogs’ backline, with Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton and Brent Naden already set to arrive at Belmore for the 2022 NRL campaign.
“I think the game’s lending itself to player with X-factor at the moment and he’s certainly got that,” Barrett said.
“Addo-Carr, Burton and Naden (are on the way) and we’ve got young blokes coming through … there is some green shoots coming and there’s good things happening at the club, we’ve just got to keep punching.”
Dufty has score 44 tries in 79 games for the Red V after making his NRL debut in Round 20 of the 2017 season.
He was one of 13 Dragons players who was fined and suspended for attending the now infamous party last Saturday night that saw prop Paul Vaughan sacked by the club.
