MATT Dufty admits Warrington Wolves are still in a phase of trying to rebuild their confidence after losing the Challenge Cup Final.
However, despite the unconvincing nature of their performance in beating Hull FC to pick up their first victory in nearly a month, he hopes they can now kick on after the international break.
The full-back’s winning try two minutes from time – his second of the game – allowed The Wire to escape with a 24-18 victory in Round 15, bringing to an end a three-match losing streak in all competitions.
After the game, Dufty hinted at a “mid-season slump” his side were fighting to get out of but with a two-week break from fixtures coming up, their aim now is to emerge from it stronger.
"We've been building,” he told Sky Sports having been named as their player of the match.
“After Wembley we were disappointed with that game and I think our confidence was down last week. We knew we just needed to get two points and get back on the horse.
“It was a tough game and it was a bit scrappy but we got it done and got the two points we came for."
"I thought we didn't play enough footy last week against Salford and we probably played too much this week so we're still finding that balance.
“Everyone has a mid-season slump and you've got to try and get out of it and hopefully build.
“We've got a week off next week and then two home games so we'll hopefully get two more wins there."
Dufty’s winning try came after George Williams’ attempted drop goal was charged down by Hull’s Brad Fash, with the full-back reacting quickest to pick up the loose ball.
He then weaved around several defenders and raced through a gap to touch down.
Late winners hit different 🔥 pic.twitter.com/f2PYppwocW
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) June 22, 2024
"I didn't know George was going to go for a field goal as I thought we had a few more plays but I'd dropped back to be the second option but George didn't need it,” he said in describing the winning moment.
“I know that when a lot of defenders charge out like they did that there's got to be space somewhere.
“When I picked the ball up and beat Fash I just ran to try and find the space and when got outside Ben Reynolds it just opened up.
“I was then one-on-one with (Carlos) Tuimavave and I'd back myself every day of the week."
Dufty continued: "It was a bit of a mixed bag for me as I made a lot of errors. But I had a lot of touches of the ball, too.
“It was a bit of a mixed bag for us all as we completed at 53 percent in that first half but we were up 12-0 so you couldn't fault our defence, especially our goalline D which has been outstanding all year and we back ourselves. But 53 percent just wasn't good enough.
“It was a scrappy game but these are the games you need to win when it comes to the end of the year so I was glad we got it done."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel