Dragons coach Paul McGregor has declared Matt Dufty was always going to play a major role at fullback during the NRL campaign, claiming he provides the "genuine speed" they've lacked so far this season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The highly-criticised move to start captain Gareth Widdop in the No.1 jersey in the opening rounds looked to be starting to pay off against the Broncos last week, until the English international went down with a dislocated shoulder.
Unlikely to return until August, Widdop's absence has fast-tracked McGregor's plans to bring Dufty back into the starting team, after playing three games as an interchange option.
"We always planned that Gareth wasn't going to play 30 games at fullback, it was about starting in the most settled way," he said.
"We thought Gareth at fullback would do that because he knows the system best, he's got a loud voice and he's our captain.
"There was a lot of criticism around the first couple of weeks (losses to the Cowboys and Souths), but there were reasons why we lost those games, as well, not just the spine.
"And we got it right (against Brisbane) and unfortunately Gareth went down late, which is a sad thing when you lose a player of Gareth's quality for an extended period."
McGregor confirmed Dufty and Widdop had shared the fullback duties at training in the "seven weeks" they had before the trials since Corey Norman arrived at the club.
Dufty's inclusion sets up an tantalising showdown with boom Newcastle talent Kalyn Ponga, who shifted from five-eighth to fullback this week after consecutive losses to the Panthers and Raiders.
McGregor said NSW forward Tyson Frizell - who suffered a lacerated testicle in round one - is a "real good chance" of playing on Sunday, with a decision to be made on Saturday after the captain's run.
It could result in Frizell starting on the right edge, with Blake Lawrie and Korbin Sims defending in the middle, but McGregor was tight-lipped about a starting role for the State of Origin star.
McGregor confirmed centre Tim Lafai will take over the goalkicking role from Widdop, though Zac Lomax, named on the bench, is likely to add the extras if he's on the field.
While you're with us the Illawarra Mercury is offering sport readers 20% off an annual digital subscription. Sign up to stay up to date with all the local sports you love for only $3.00 a week. Terms and conditions apply.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
