Matt Dufty contract 'a huge priority' for Warrington Wolves

He says initial conversations were being had before the season had kicked off but that first, he wanted to see how he would take to his new systems.

It is definitely a case of “so far, so good” with the full-back leading the competition for try involvements, metres gained, carries, tackle busts and clean breaks after five rounds of action.

As such, Dufty’s decision to extend his contract, which was in its final year, for another two years comes as a big boost to The Wire and with his future sorted, he can now focus on maintaining his sparkling form.

> Read more about Matt Dufty's new deal, including thoughts from the man himself, here

‘The form player in the competition right now’

Dufty is currently second in the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel standings behind Salford Red Devils scrum-half Marc Sneyd – as good an indicator of any as to the groove he finds himself in.

However, Burgess believes the Australian speedster is the competition’s most in-form player at the moment.

“We spoke about it in the pre-season,” Burgess said of his number one’s new deal.

“Firstly, I really enjoy his company and he’s easy to coach.

“He wants to learn so I was always interested but from his point of view, it was in his best interests and ours to get a few games under his belt first.

“We’re playing a different style that I think suits him, but it was a huge priority – the main priority – to re-sign him.

“We’re all seeing what he can bring and he’s got plenty more he can work on, but he’s really enjoying his rugby at the moment.

“He’s very consistent at training, he’s got great energy at training and he’s also great in the community.

“He’s embraced the lifestyle here and we’re starting to see the better side of him.

“He’s going to grow now over the next few years into a senior player and his leadership is coming through.

“I daresay he’s the form player in the competition right now.”

Six tries and five assists means Matt Dufty currently has more try involvements than any other player in Super League (Image: PA Wire)

‘I thought he could be utilised better’

In all of the key figures, Dufty’s displays and output are in a markedly better place than they were after five rounds in 2023, when The Wire were still unbeaten.

When he agreed to take over as Warrington head coach for 2024 following the departure of Daryl Powell – the man who brought Dufty to England back in 2022 – Burgess started to look closer and believed his full potential was not being unlocked.

Alongside assistant coach Martin Gleeson, he has concocted a style that has got Dufty more involved in matches and the results – so far – have been there for all to see.

“For whatever people might think and say about him, he’s a really intelligent bloke,” Burgess said.

“He understands his role in the team now and is a great bloke to work with.

“I watched some of the games last year and I thought he could be utilised better watching from afar.

“Credit for that has to go to Martin Gleeson, who’s really unlocked his game and the team are doing a lot right alongside him, which helps Duff.”

‘Good players are hard to stop’

Now, opposition head coaches will know limiting Dufty’s impact on matches will play a big role in getting success against Burgess’ Warrington side.

And the head coach concedes that may well happen at some point, but warned that too much focus on Dufty would free up some of his colleagues.

“Good players are hard to stop – you just have to try and limit them,” he said.

“I’m sure teams are trying to stop him and at times, they will shut him down but that’s what we have players like George Williams, Danny Walker and the like for.

“We’ve got a few threats starting to pop up now and we can attack on both sides of the field, which adds a good dimension for us.”