Warrington fullback Matt Dufty bans mum from jetting in for Challenge Cup final
Warrington fullback Matt Dufty has banned his mum from this weekend's Challenge Cup final at Wembley because she has never seen him win.
Dufty's dad Glenn is planning to jet in from Australia in the hope of watching his son lift major silverware for the first time, but mum Leonie is under strict instructions to stay at home.
'My mum hasn't seen me win yet,' laughed Dufty.
'She's come over and watched me seven times and we've lost all seven. So she's not allowed to come this week.'
The 29-year-old Dufty, who joined the Wolves midway through the 2022 season, has emerged as an increasingly important component in a side whose spine has been ravaged by injuries during this campaign.
He was coached by his dad from an early age and earned rave reviews in the NRL, but is still missing the major trophy that he believes will make all his family's early sacrifices worthwhile.
'My dad's coming over for the game because he didn't get the opportunity to come and watch me play last year,' added Dufty.
'He's been a big part of my rugby league journey and he came out to watch me play in Las Vegas earlier this year, but he hasn't seen me lift anything professionally.
'So if I could get some silverware whilst he's watching I think it would be special for me and for our family.'
Despite scoring his side's opening try, Dufty endured a final to forget last season when he was sin-binned after just five minutes and Warrington never fully recovered as they slid to an 18-8 defeat to Wigan.
But he has continued to emerge as one of Super League's star playmakers this season, assuming extra responsibility during long injury lay-offs for the likes of captain George Williams and hooker Danny Walker.
'It's been a bit of a different year and while I probably haven't had the same impact on the team, I feel like I've grown into a different role,' added Dufty, who played for St George Illawarra and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL.
'For me it's been about learning and growing as a player and doing what's best for the team. I've learned a lot about myself as a player and a leader.'
Having started in the game at the age of four after he was rejected for a soccer camp, Dufty grew up as a keen scholar of the game on both sides of the world, and can think of few better scenarios than capping his career with a Challenge Cup winners' medal.
'It was always something we watched back home,' added Dufty.
'Then when you come over you realise how important the Challenge Cup is to English culture and how much prestige is behind it.
'Last year I got to experience it first-hand and it wasn't the way we wanted it, but we've got another chance two years in a row and the experience we gained from 2024 is going to be massive for us.'
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The Brisbane coach believes a leader is emerging after witnessing the transformation Mam has undertaken after stints in rehab and on a job site. 'He's found a higher appreciation of what he does, what he's fortunate to do,' Maguire says. 'That's where I've seen him grow, he's actually a really good fella. 'As he goes through this period, he will learn how to lead, not just through the organisation, but also his own people of the Torres Strait Island. 'And then there's the community of young men navigating life. He will be able to tell the story of how he has had to deal with adversity in a big way. 'The way he communicates and does things, he has an opportunity to influence many. Influence is the big word I always talk about.' During his sabbatical, Mam undertook labouring work. The experience of concreting, carpentry and Queensland Cup – Mam initially returned to football via Souths Logan – was a humbling one. 'It was a really good experience for myself,' he says. 'I'd wake up at 4:30am to train at 5am and then shoot over to work. I'd work from 6:30-7am to about 3:30-4pm and then be back to the gym. 'For me it was a big couple of months. A bit of carpentry, concreting, bit of everything. I learnt a lot of skills on the way. Coming back into Q Cup, working every day, I'm privileged to be doing what I love doing. 'As he goes through this period, he will learn how to lead, not just through the organisation, but also his own people of the Torres Strait Island.' Broncos coach Michael Maguire 'That's what I've been doing since I was a young kid, I'm very fortunate to be back playing and doing what I love to do.' Just four NRL games into Mam's return, Queensland coach Billy Slater called him into his wider squad for Origin II. The decision hasn't gone down well with everyone, particularly those who believe he should have paid a greater penance. Loading 'I'm really self-focused on the moment, looking to better myself,' he says. 'I appreciate that others may be upset. I can't control other people's thoughts, all I can do is hopefully start to rebuild some integrity over time with my actions. If I'm allowed to play, obviously I'll play. 'I was very surprised and grateful for the [Maroons] opportunity and took it with both hands. 'When [Slater] calls, it's hard to deny a chance to go into the Origin squad, you always say yes. It was a good experience for me.' During a career that has spanned just 60 games, Mam has already endured a bumpy ride. The destination remains unknown, but he is excited about what comes next.
