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

South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett secured fullback Matt Dufty for a weekly wage of $4,200, a move heavily influenced by a character reference from former teammate Sam Burgess. The 30-year-old has emerged as a standout performer for the club, effectively displacing established first-choice fullback Jye Gray from the starting lineup. This bargain acquisition stems directly from a personal endorsement provided by Burgess, who served as head coach of Warrington Wolves during Dufty’s recent tenure in Europe. Dufty’s journey to the Rabbitohs began with a difficult conversation following the Christmas period last year. Warrington released the player because his partner, Meg, was expecting their first child, Margot, and the couple chose not to return to the United Kingdom for the 2026 season. To ease the transition, the Wolves honored a significant portion of Dufty’s remaining contract. This financial safety net removed the immediate pressure on the player to secure a National Rugby League position quickly, allowing him to focus on family matters while maintaining his fitness. Despite the lack of urgency, interest in Dufty persisted. When Bennett considered options for the squad, he contacted Burgess for insight into the player’s current capabilities. Burgess offered a glowing assessment, stating he knew Dufty’s potential well. He noted that Dufty had become physically more robust during his time in the Super League and possessed the talent to succeed in the NRL again. Burgess described Dufty as a student of the game who had learned to play with greater toughness under his guidance at Warrington. Dufty confirmed that the reference played a pivotal role in his signing. He recalled speaking with Bennett before joining South Sydney, during which the coach mentioned he would call Burgess. Although media narratives in England often portrayed them as rivals, Dufty emphasized that they share a genuine friendship. He revealed that Burgess is invited to his upcoming wedding and that they recently spent 40 minutes discussing his situation. Dufty also credited assistant coach Ben Hornby, whom he has known since age 16, for initially suggesting to Bennett that reviewing Dufty’s case would not hurt. Financially, the arrangement offers Dufty a modest income compared to previous contracts. His total weekly earnings consist of a $1,200 full-time training wage plus a $3,000 match payment when he plays. Despite these figures being lower than standard NRL salaries, Dufty stated that the payout from Warrington would have sustained him financially for most of the year. However, he prioritized returning to professional rugby league because he was emerging from some of the best years of his career at Warrington. On the field, Dufty has demonstrated maturity and adaptability. He previously acknowledged being a polarizing figure in Australian rugby, noting that fans either loved or hated him intensely. Reflecting on this reputation, he said he has matured and no longer irritates others unnecessarily. He observed that as players age, their focus shifts from individual attention to collective victory. Dufty expressed a desire to earn the trust of his coaches and teammates within a squad featuring many high-profile athletes. Looking ahead, Dufty indicated he is not stressed about his contractual status for next season. He believes consistent performance will resolve any employment uncertainties. While he would prefer to remain with South Sydney, he hopes his current form opens doors elsewhere if necessary. The Rabbitohs organization continues to view Jye Gray as their long-term solution at fullback. Consequently, retaining Dufty beyond the current campaign depends on the club creating available roster space, a logistical challenge given their existing commitments. The narrative surrounding Dufty’s arrival highlights the interconnected nature of rugby league personnel movements. His path from St George Illawarra to the Canterbury Bulldogs, and subsequently to the Super League in mid-2022, culminated in this unexpected return to the NRL via South Sydney. The involvement of Burgess, a former South Sydney star currently coaching in England, bridged the gap between European and domestic leagues. This collaboration allowed a player who might otherwise have retired or remained in Europe to contribute significantly to an NRL team. As Dufty prepares to face his former club, the Canterbury Bulldogs, at Accor Stadium on Friday night, he will wear the Rabbitohs number one jersey. The matchup serves as a direct test of his progress since leaving the Bulldogs. His performance in this fixture, along with subsequent matches, will likely determine whether South Sydney attempts to formalize his presence on the roster for future seasons. The dynamic between Dufty and Gray remains central to the team’s defensive strategy, with both players competing for the primary fullback role. The story underscores how personal relationships within the sport facilitate player transfers. Without the specific intervention of Burgess and the initial push from Hornby, Dufty might not have received the opportunity to prove himself in the NRL. The outcome of this experiment in player management could influence how clubs approach unsigned or low-wage players in the future. For now, Dufty focuses on executing his role on the field, aiming to justify the confidence placed in him by the coaching staff and the club hierarchy.