The Penshurst RSL junior has scored 17 tries in the NYC this season and has also turned out for the Illawarra Cutters who are running second in the Intrust Super Premiership.

His form in the lower grades has prompted calls for him to be given a top-grade debut this season and it appears the 20-year-old won’t be out of the top grade much longer.

“I am really pleased to have re-signed with the Dragons and be able to continue my development with the club I have supported since a child,” Dufty said.

“I have played all my lower-grade football here and feel that I am now one step closer to achieving my goal of someday playing first-grade for the club.”

Dragons director of rugby league pathways Ian Millward is pleased by the local junior’s decision to remain at the Dragons.

“It is great to see an exciting local junior such as Matt make the decision to continue his career development as a Dragon," Millward said. 

“Matt has progressed through our junior systems, having started in our HPU squad before elevating to the NYC ranks and earning representative recognition along the way. 

“He is a talented and diligent young player who we believe has a bright future here at the Dragons.”

Dufty joins NYC teammates Reuben Garrick, Patrick Herbert  and Hame Sele in re-committing to the club for the next two seasons.

In the top squad Benji Marshall, Mitch Rein, Joel Thompson and Ben Creagh remain un-signed for next season while it’s the understood the club has made a big-money play for Parramatta star Corey Norman.