Warrington Wolves went into their must-win Super League showdown with Wigan Warriors without star full-back Matt Dufty, after head coach Sam Burgess confirmed the Australian was stood down for disciplinary reasons.
Pre-Match Rumours Confirmed
Speculation earlier in the week suggested Dufty would be dropped, despite being named in Warrington’s 21-man squad. That uncertainty ended when the final 17 was announced, with veteran Stefan Ratchford starting at full-back instead.
Sky Sports pundit Brian Carney questioned the omission, calling it a bold move given the stakes, while former St Helens captain Jon Wilkin pointed to wider issues of discipline at the club this season.
Burgess Explains the Call
Speaking pre-match, Burgess said the decision was straightforward:
“It’s an internal discipline thing. Matt missed a session earlier in the week – it’s happened with other players throughout the year so we’ve stood him down and he’ll miss a game.”
Burgess added that Dufty had responded well since, remained in good spirits, and would return next week.
Pundits Weigh In
Wilkin expressed surprise that such a big omission could be based on a single incident, speculating there “might be more to it than just being late once.”
Fellow pundit Sam Tomkins warned that Dufty’s absence would blunt Warrington’s attacking edge:
“Without Matt Dufty, I don’t know where Warrington’s points come from tonight… Dufty and George Williams are the key to anything good for Warrington.”
Wolves Reshuffle Without Dufty
With Ratchford filling in at the back, Warrington also welcomed back Zack Gardner in the centres in place of the concussed Connor Wrench. Youngster Cai Taylor-Wray was unavailable as he continues his recovery from a torn hamstring.
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