Why South Sydney should thank Sam Burgess for their $4200-a-week bargain buy

South Sydney Rabbitohs have secured a valuable asset in Matt Dufty, whose current contract reportedly pays him $4200 per week, thanks in part to a glowing character reference from former teammate Sam Burgess. Dufty's impact with the club has been immediate, with his performances pushing first-choice fullback Jye Gray to the sidelines. This development underscores how personal connections and strategic decisions in rugby league can shape a team’s fortunes. Dufty, 30, was released by Warrington Wolves after Christmas due to personal circumstances involving his partner, Meg, who was expecting their first child, Margot. The family chose not to return to the United Kingdom for the 2026 season, prompting Warrington to honor a substantial portion of his contract. This financial cushion allowed Dufty to avoid immediate pressure to secure an NRL club, giving him flexibility in his professional move. On Friday night, Dufty will take to the field against his former club Canterbury at Accor Stadium wearing the Rabbitohs' No.1 jersey. His earnings will include $3000 in match payments, adding to his weekly full-time training wage of $1200. His form has been so impressive that he has effectively displaced Gray from the starting lineup, showcasing his adaptability and skill. Sam Burgess, now coaching Warrington, emphasized Dufty's potential during discussions with South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett. “I told Wayne the truth,” Burgess stated. “I knew all about Matt’s capabilities. He was so awesome for us at Warrington, he’s a wonderful player, he matured in terms of his body, he became a bit more robust, but I knew he’d be able to handle the NRL again, for sure.” Burgess highlighted Dufty's talent and his growth into a more resilient player, which he believes has prepared him well for the challenges of the NRL. Dufty reflected on the support he received from both Burgess and assistant coach Ben Hornby, who initially suggested South Sydney consider him. “Sam and I were painted as enemies in the papers [in England], but we’re good friends, he’s invited to my wedding, and we spoke for 40 minutes the other night,” Dufty noted. He acknowledged the importance of the network around him, stating, “A lot of people had my back at the right time when it came to Souths.” Despite the financial security offered by Warrington, Dufty expressed a desire to continue playing football, citing his recent success at Warrington as motivation. “The payout from Warrington would have got me through most of the year [financially]. But I wanted to play football because I was coming off some of the best years of my life at Warrington,” he explained. Dufty's journey through the sport has been marked by transitions, beginning at St George Illawarra, followed by a brief stint at the Bulldogs, and later reviving his career in the Super League. Reflecting on his past, he admitted, “You either really love me or really hate me, there’s no in between.” However, he feels he has matured, stating, “I think I’ve matured a bit, and I don’t rub people the wrong way as much. Souths have plenty of big dogs in the team. When you’re younger, you want everything about yourself.” As he continues to perform, Dufty remains focused on his role within the team, emphasizing the importance of trust from coaches and teammates. “The older you get, the more you care about winning, and less about yourself. I have a role to play, and I want that trust from the coaches and my teammates.” Looking ahead, South Sydney still views Jye Gray as their long-term fullback, necessitating roster adjustments if they aim to retain Dufty beyond the current season. His performance and potential contributions will undoubtedly influence these decisions, highlighting the dynamic nature of rugby league contracts and player roles.