The 25-year-old has put together an extensive highlight reel in his four NRL seasons but has been in and out of first grade since debuting in 2017. He found previously elusive consistency in a standout 2020, grabbing 13 tries and 12 try-assists in 18 games.

It came after he overlooked for two of his side's opening four games, which saw him flirt with a lucrative offer from Super League club Huddersfield, while there was also a glimmer of interest in a mid-season switch to the Titans, before he decided to stay put.

He'll be in hot demand if he can maintain his rich vein of form this coming season, with his next contract likely to be the most lucrative of his career should he continue on his current trajectory.

The club has Zac Lomax, who's repeatedly stated his long-term preference is to play fullback, locked down on a lengthy deal, while rookie sensation Cody Ramsey is also waiting in the wings.

Dufty's preference is to stay in Wollongong - where he's been based since last season - but he's yet to open talks with the club about a possible extension.

"I haven't heard anything from the club. It's bit disappointing they haven't talked to me yet but it is still early days," Dufty said.

"Obviously I'd like to stay in the Gong. There was a stage there last year where I could've gone, I had permission to go. Huddersfield was probably the main [option] but I wanted to stay in the NRL.

"I still had a contract and wanted to prove myself to the Dragons. Hopefully that loyalty gets rewarded. I like to think I'm a humble person but I do need to think about my future as well.

"I think I'm a lot more mature than I was when I last re-signed a contract and last time I was off-contract Normy (Corey Norman) had just come to the club.

"I've given a lot to the Dragons since I was about 14 and I'd just like to think they want me. That's all I want to feel, money's not an issue. Like I said, it's early days so hopefully [I hear something] soon."

He may be yet to hear from the brass, but new coach Anthony Griffin has spoken extensively about the leadership role he wants him to play at the back.

Read more: Lomax not looking back on breakout season

Having played his career to date exclusively under former coach Paul McGregor, and his former under 20s coach Dean Young, Dufty said a new voice has been refreshing.

"Growing up playing, Benny Hornby, Dean Young and Mary [McGregor] all had me from when I was really young," he said.

"They didn't see me as that kid anymore, but not as mature as I would've liked. Hook coming in has given me a lot more responsibility because I'm 25 now and our squad's very young.

"It's weird how things go, last year I felt like I was one of the youngest in the squad with James Graham, Frizz (Tyson Frizell), Benny Hunt... coming in this year it's a totally different story.

"Hook's straight up and down, there's no beating around the bush, which is something I really like. He says the fullback's got to be the loudest, you've got to direct the boys around and you need to have that authority.

"That's what I try to bring to training. It's good, it's the next bit of development in my career, just trying to be more of a leader."

The discussions may have been extensive, but Dufty doesn't consider himself a lock in the No. 1 jumper, with Griffin making it clear past deeds won't count for anything while he's in charge. It's not a new scenario for Dufty, who began last season behind Lomax in the pecking order.

"Zac was first choice last year but the way it panned out, and what was best for the team, I got the shot again and grabbed it with both hands," Dufty said.

"I knew it was either now or never so that was the mentality I had going into every game, just trying to play consistent footy. Coming off my individual season last year I was pretty happy with how I performed consistently week in week out, obviously the next step is trying to get the club back in the top eight.

"Top four would be nice, but obviously the next step is trying to get the club back playing finals footy is the main goal for us this year. It feels like everyone's got a purpose to train hard because there's no guaranteed spots which is good because there's a bit of competition which is healthy for a club that wants to get better."