They may be missing their in-form captain, but Matt Dufty has backed Adam Clune to spark the Dragons attack against the Knights.
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St George Illawarra will be looking for a third straight win when they head to Newcastle on Sunday, but they will have to do it without their halfback Ben Hunt, who has been ruled out for six weeks due to an impact fracture in his fibula.
It is a setback for the red v's spine, especially after Hunt played a key role in their 38-12 demolition of the Sea Eagles last Friday. Clune will instead wear the no.7 jersey, but Dufty believes the Dragons won't skip a beat.
"We're just trying to keep it the same, keep that fast paced attack that we've had. We had a meeting this morning and we were telling Cluney how we've been playing since that Cronulla game (Dragons lost 32-18 in round one), we were still a bit touch and go with how we wanted to play," Dufty said.
"Cluney was obviously the smartest man in the room so he picked it up pretty quick. We've just been trying to stay connected as a spine. If there's a half break, we want to make sure at least one or two of us are there to take the opportunities.
"We want Cluney to bring what he brings to the team. Obviously being that general half back player, kicking and controlling the play. If he sees an opportunity, we want him to run and play how he got to first grade. Cluney has all of my support and support of the spine, andthe coaches. I'm sure he will get out there and do a good job."
Since that loss to the Sharks, St George Illawarra have looked sharp in attack, scoring more than 60 points in wins over the Cowboys and Manly. Dufty in particular has been in electric form, highlighted by scoring a double last week.
So what has been the key to the fullback's surge? The 25-year-old credits the arrival of coach Anthony Griffin and playing with a good spine, led by new captain Andrew McCullough.
But Dufty believes he still has room for improvement.
"Macca is the most experienced player besides Hunty. And he's a leader, on and off the field. I think he's known Hook for a while, so Hook knows the leadership qualities that he brings to a team. Since he first came in during pre-season, you could see that he wanted to win and all of the younger boys listened to him. When people like him speak, everybody listens. Macca is a leader and this will be a good opportunity for him to step up without Hunty," Dufty said.
"Hook's a very straight arrow kind of guy, he tells you when you're going good and when you're going bad. And he sets his standards pretty high, and he expects you to meet them. He's bringing out the best in the boys at the moment and I'm trying to do my best for the team. I'm still building my game as a fullback, and I still feel like I've got a lot to give to the team. So that's what I'm working on this year.
"But we're not getting too over the top, we just want to get out there and keep building week to week. We have a good opportunity here to get a win and we probably should have won that Cronulla game if we started how we've been playing. We just want to keep it simple and just do what's been working. It will be a test for us (on Sunday). Newcastle are always a tough challenge, especially up there. It's pretty daunting to play in front of their home fans. It will be a good challenge, but we're looking forward to it."
Hook's a very straight arrow kind of guy, he tells you when you're going good and when you're going bad. And he sets his standards pretty high, and he expects you to meet them.
- - Matt Dufty