Warrington hoping Matt Dufty can have Jai Field effect

Warrington coach Daryl Powell has likened his new signing Matt Dufty to Jai Field, saying he can have the same effect on Super League as his Wigan counterpart.

Field, who had only made 17 appearances in the NRL, has proven to be a sensational signing for Super League giants Wigan.

Dufty has joined Warrington on deal until the end of 2024 after securing an immediate release from his contract with NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs.

Full-back Dufty has clocked a top speed of 36.6km/h this season, faster than any Super League player.

“He’s a sharp player,” Powell told Love Rugby League. “I tried to sign him at Castleford a few years ago.

“He’s an electric full-back who has got genuine speed. From my chats with him, he really studies the game and understands the game.

“He has got some good qualities. He has been in the leadership group at Canterbury, so I think he’ll be suited to the game over here.

“Look at Jai Field for example. He didn’t do too much in Australia but has got genuine speed and I think genuine speed in this country is a fantastic commodity to have.

“You are always looking for exciting players and people that stand up when they get their hands on the ball. Jai Field has certainly done that for Wigan as has Bevan French. We believe that Matt Dufty will do the same thing for us.

“He’s a perfect fit for Super League and the way the game is played over here. He’s fast, strong, aggressive and competitive.”

Dufty, who has scored 45 tries in 96 NRL games, will link up with his new team-mates early next week.

Warrington boss delighted with transfer business

Powell says he is pleased with the club’s recruitment drive ahead of 2023. But he insists they are still focused on finishing this season strongly.

“We have worked hard on our recruitment,” Powell said. “Our priority at the moment is to fix up our form for this season but it has been a really successful recruitment drive.

“We’ve signed quality players, quality leadership and we are really pleased about that. But we need to focus on what is slap bang in front of us now and that is the Hull KR game to make sure we move the right way in the table which is pivotal for us at the moment.”

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