Wayne Bennett has opened up on his decision to demote Jye Gray to the bench, with Matt Dufty earning a promotion for “style” of play reasons.
Dufty being handed a starting spot over Gray was a big surprise 90 minutes before kick-off and the in-form man did everything he could in his side’s 30-18 loss.
The 30-year-old recorded a staggering 312 running metres, eight tackle busts, a linebreak, a linebreak assist and a try assist in a stellar display.
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Gray, meanwhile, has been one of the Rabbitohs’ most consistent players over the last two seasons, prompting Bennett to shuffle superstar Latrell Mitchell to the centres.
But Bennett’s admission on Sunday evening could see a shift in the fullback pecking order at Souths — although he did hint his pocket rocket could return.
“The game plan was to play a certain way here today and he suited that style more than Jye did,” Bennett said.
“That was the reason why we brought him in, there’s nothing between the two of them. They’re both wonderful players for us.
“So he may be back there next week, Jye.”
Cody Walker and Wayne Bennett.Source: FOX SPORTS
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Dufty’s performance marked his 100th NRL game, but the gun fullback was a “bit down” according to Bennett after a troubling week for the South Sydney club.
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“That’s a wonderful record for him,” Bennett said of Dufty’s milestone.
“But it pales in significance right now, everything’s a bit down. But for him personally, it’s a great milestone.”
Bennett also was asked how an emotional week had affected his team’s preparations.
“It’s personal, I don’t know. It affected me,” he replied.
“But everyone’s different, but we can’t live on it as an excuse as to why we don’t play well.”