Matt Dufty bans mum from Warrington cup final 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.
'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.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

South Wales Argus

2 hours ago

• South Wales Argus

Newport school praised for high expectations by Estyn

St David's RC Primary School in Park Crescent was inspected by Estyn in March. The school, which is an English-medium, Roman Catholic primary school, has 212 pupils on its roll, with 184 of these being of statutory school age. Inspectors found that the headteacher, who was appointed in September 2017, sets "high expectations and leads by example." They also found that there is a "clear, inclusive vision shared by all stakeholders" and that leaders "promote a supportive, respectful community where pupils feel safe and valued." The inspection report said that most pupils "behave well," "are respectful and motivated," "feel safe and supported," and "attend regularly and on time." The report also said that pupils "actively take on leadership roles, helping to embed Welsh culture", such as Criw Cymraeg. Teaching at the school was described as "moving at a good pace" and using "effective strategies". The report said that the school promotes "core skills in reading, numeracy, digital use, and Welsh." However, inspectors found that there is "limited opportunity for pupils to influence how and what they learn, which impacts independent learning skills." The curriculum was described as "broad, engaging and well-resourced, aligned with the Curriculum for Wales." There is a "high emphasis on authentic learning experiences, local and global contexts, and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development." Inspectors found that the school's ALN (additional learning needs) provision is "strong" and that pupils "make good progress due to responsive support and targeted interventions." Staff "understand pupils' needs well and adapt provision accordingly." Support for low-income pupils is "effective." The report said that there is "strong progression" in reading, with most Year 6 pupils being "fluent and expressive readers." Writing is "effective across year groups, tailored to genre, lively and structured." Pupils are "confident" in mathematics and can apply their skills across the curriculum. Digital skills are "strong" across year groups, with pupils having a "solid understanding of online safety." Leaders have "well-defined roles and use robust monitoring cycles." Professional learning and collaboration are "well-developed." Governors "provide support and challenge," "engage in first-hand evidence gathering," and have a "clear understanding of school strengths and improvement impact." No concerns were raised about safeguarding or site management. Appropriate arrangements are in place for healthy eating and drinking, the use of pupil development grants, and financial management.

Daily Mail​

3 hours ago

• Daily Mail​

Man City fans thrilled as £33.7m summer signing 'looks quality' during debut at the Club World Cup

Rayan Ait-Nouri made his Manchester City late on Sunday night by starting in his new team's FIFA Club World Cup clash with Al Ain. The 24-year-old Algeria international — a recent £33.7million arrival from Wolves — was deployed as a left wing back, operating high up the pitch, with Pep Guardiola having opted to play three central defenders behind him. With City utterly dominant against opposition from Abu Dhabi, Ait-Nouri grabbed the opportunity to show off his attacking talents — and he left many fans impressed. City YouTuber Steven Mcinerney declared: 'Ait-Nouri looks quality.' Another City fan replied: 'His first touch almost reminds me of [Riyad] Mahrez.' A third added: 'So much better than [Matheus] Nunes on the other side'. Ait-Nouri looks quality. — Steven (@StevenMcinerney) June 23, 2025 Ait-Nouri's dribbling skills also dazzled on Sunday night.

Daily Mirror

5 hours ago

• Daily Mirror

Liverpool youngster sends message to senior England stars after Spain triumph

England Under-21s knocked out tournament favourites Spain with a belligerent display in their Euros U21 quarter-final, with Liverpool youngster Tyler Morton playing a key role Tyler Morton reckons England U21s laid down a marker for future Three Lions sides after knocking out tournament favourites Spain and setting up a European Championship semi-final against the Netherlands. England showed a newfound attacking balance in their last eight-win over Spain as things finally clicked in front of goal for the defending champions. Morton, making his first start of the tournament, delivered a dogged performance in midfield. ‌ Sunday's spectacular showing was a far cry from last summer's senior Euros heartbreak against Spain when Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute strike guaranteed a 60th year of hurt. And after the kids showed how it's done, Morton pointed out the rarity of an English side bossing the Spanish. ‌ 'It was very tough,' Morton said after the 3-1 win over Spain. 'They're a top side. When you come into games like this, you know how good they are. The movement is top – they're top-level players. 'We outplayed them, especially in the first half. We showed a real fight and desire to play and move. Dominating a Spanish team for most of the game is not what all English teams do. 'We controlled a huge chunk of it and then we had to manage things, which we did. We were very comfortable off the ball. 'We've shown a different side to how we can play. We were very comfortable in and out of possession. They're a top team, a threat, but we minimised that. We got exactly what we deserved. 'That's props to all the lads, not only the centre-halves but the forwards who were pressing constantly; everyone deserves plaudits tonight. This is a very special team.' ‌ The 22-year-old Liverpool midfielder will be forced to sit out Wednesday's semi-final in Bratislava after picking up his second booking of the tournament for a lunge on Beñat Turrientes. 'I'm gutted. I didn't know [about the suspension] until after the game. I was just really in the zone. I don't think it was a yellow card, but it's gone. I've got to just prepare myself now for what could be. "I'll be right behind the lads the whole game.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.