Each week of the NRL season outside of the Origin period, the NSWRL.com.au staff writers will have their say on the round's best performing New South Welshmen. These are based entirely on the opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSWRL. For the first time since Round 11, the VB Blues Team of the Week is as follows:
1 – Matt Dufty
Club: St George Illawarra Dragons; Origin appearances: 0; 2017 TOTW selections: 0.
15 total runs, 188 total metres, two line-breaks, two try-assists, two offloads, 12 tackle-breaks, two line-break-assists, one try.
Wow - that is the only word to describe the long-awaited debut of Matt Dufty. While coach Paul McGregor had previously used the experienced Jason Nightingale in the custodian role, Round 20 was the time for Dufty to finally reach the big stage and, amid much expectation, he delivered. A key part of the first attack to notch more than 50 points in the NRL this year, the 21-year-old laid on two tries and scored one himself in an outstanding introduction to first grade.