St George Illawarra Dragons National Youth Competition team fullback Matt Duffy reflects on the season following the 26-20 loss to the Sydney Roosters in the Preliminary Final at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park on Friday.
The Young Dragons bowed out of silverware contention following a nail-biting match-up which saw them command an assertive 14-point lead at the interval.
Dufty however notes that there were many positives to come out of the campaign, including some strong friendships, as is looking forward to testing himself as part of the first-grade pre-season train-on squad in November.
“Credit to the boys that we came out there during the first-half and did everything that we planned on doing,” said Dufty.
“Unfortunately, we just couldn’t hang on during the second-half.
“The Roosters had come out hard during that second-half and we just couldn’t hang with them and it’s what ultimately got us in the end.
“For the previous two seasons I was with the team fulltime while this year was different and I didn’t really meet half of the team until the opening game of the season.
“This season though had a lot of good memories and I will be leaving with some great friendships.
“I don’t get much of a break now before the start of the new pre-season but I’m definitely looking forward to next year and the new challenge.
“I would like to hopefully make my debut next year but I’ll just rip in during pre-season and see what happens from there.”
