Matt Dufty desperate for Challenge Cup joy with Warrington

Alongside it is the subsequent homecoming parade, where Warringtonians poured onto the streets in their tens of thousands to welcome their heroes – and the famous old trophy – back to the town.

That was one of the first sights that greeted Matt Dufty when he arrived at the club in 2022, and it made him want a piece of what that team experienced.

He is closer now that he has been during his time in England, and he is determined to make it count.

“The only knockout football we have back home is when you get to the semi-finals,” the Australian livewire told the Guardian.

“The Challenge Cup has got a lot of history over here but you never really understand it until you come over - you watch it but you don’t really get it.

“When I came over, one of the first things I saw was the picture of them holding up the trophy at Wembley. You get reminded of it every day and those kinds of days are few and far between.

“Looking at the way Warrington as a town get behind the team in those kinds of moments, it looks pretty special and it makes you want to be a part of it.

“I haven’t experienced it yet having only got to the quarter-finals last year, but I’d love to be involved in something like that.

“To win the Challenge Cup, you’ve got to play well in every game and you’ve got to get that bit of luck as well.

“To be one game away from Wembley is massive but we can’t overlook this weekend. We have to get the job done.

“I really hope the town turns out in force because we’ve got some of the best supporters in the league.

“When they turn up in numbers, it can be a bit intimidating for the other team so I’m excited for this weekend.”

Tens of thousands lined the streets of Warrington and gathered on the Town Hall lawn to welcome the Challenge Cup-winning team of 2019 back to Warrington (Image: Mike Boden)

Standing between Dufty and his dream are Huddersfield Giants – a team he sees as “underrated” as he and his Wire teammates prepare to go toe-to-toe with them in Sunday’s semi-final with a place at Wembley on the line.

Coming off an important victory over Hull KR and having had two days’ more rest than an opposition who have lost their past three games, including a heavy defeat to Wigan Warriors last time out, Warrington will start as favourites but the full-back remains wary.

“Knockout football is exciting but it’s also unpredictable,” he said.

“Anyone can turn up on the day - we’ve seen Huddersfield play great at times this season and they will want to bounce back from what happened at the weekend.

“They’ve got a great team and they’re quite underrated with the players they have, but we can’t underestimate them.”

As one of Super League’s most in-form players, Dufty will no doubt be crucial to Wire’s efforts to advance further down the road to Wembley.

The 28-year-old has been increasingly influential under head coach Sam Burgess to the point that he is almost 400 metres clear of his nearest challenger in the competition’s metre-making charts while only Jack Welsby of St Helens can top his 16 try involvements (eight tries, eight assists).

So with that in mind, are we currently watching the very best version of Matt Dufty?

“I think we’re seeing me at my most consistent,” he replied.

“There’s flashier things I have done previously that I’m not doing this year, but I’m working more consistently and getting involved more consistently.

“That’s a big shift for me – I’ve wanted to focus more on what I can do to help the team rather than doing something flashy or mad.

“For me now, it’s about setting up the kickers on play four or five, catching the ball on the full and getting to where George (Williams) calls for me even if I don’t get the ball.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the team. That hasn’t always been the case for me but it’s front and centre now.

“I don’t care if I don’t score a try or set one up, as long as the team has still scored.

“It’s a less selfish outlook, but it means I’m more consistent.”

Matt Dufty leads Super League for metres made and is second for try involvements (Image: PA Wire)

Dufty’s durability has also impressed – he is the only player to have started all 13 matches in all competitions this season and in total, his run of consecutive appearances currently stands at 48 stretching all the way back to August 2022.

Indeed, he has missed only one competitive game since signing from Canterbury Bulldogs despite taking some heavy knocks during games, but he says the environment around the club and team makes him want to go through the pain barrier.

“I’m starting to feel it,” he joked.

“The later your career goes, the more you focus on just making sure you’re ready for the next week.

“When you’re younger, you don’t really think about your body that much but I’m a long way from 21 now!

“You want to play for Sam and the team we have here this year is really special.

“Everyone knows their role and doesn’t have to worry about anything else, so I’m happy to take those carries in and sacrifice some of the flashy stuff.

“You know the type of player Sammy was - he played an entire game with a broken cheekbone, so what’s a few bumps and bruises compared to that?

“In the grand scheme of things, what does it do for the team if I come off with something that isn’t too serious?

“I just want to do everything I can for the team this year, which is a big mindset shift for me and it’s the same for everyone.

“We all want to do what’s best for the team and it’s showing in our effort areas.”

Matt Dufty gets a look at the Challenge Cup trophy at a media event previewing Sunday's semi-final against Huddersfield Giants (Image: SWPix.com)