Dufty given time to prove fitness

St George Illawarra will give fullback Matt Dufty every chance to play against Canberra on Saturday despite the unwanted flyer battling a shoulder injury.

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin will monitor Dufty at the captain’s run on Friday before deciding if he needs to select another player.

Griffin refused to confirm if Dapto junior Tyrell Sloan would make his NRL debut if Dufty is ruled out.

“I’m not sure about that (Sloan) – we’ll have a look at Matt first and worry about that later,” Griffin said about Sloan, a former NSW under 18s representative.

“He (Matt) has had a shoulder injury that has been troubling him since Magic Round and he got another knock on it late last week, so we’ll have a look at him today.”

Matt Dufty and Corey Norman have both been told they are unwanted at the Dragons beyond this season. Picture: Grant TrouvilleSource:Supplied

Griffin praised Dufty and five-eighth Corey Norman for handling the news that they are unwanted beyond this season with class and professionalism.

“Matt knew three or four weeks ago,” he said.

“It is a sign of respect from our club to be honest with them and let them know where they stand, so they can play well for our club.

“The club has been very good to them, and I know they both understand that, but they can also secure their future somewhere else.”

Griffin expects Dufty and Norman to play crucial roles in the Dragons’ finals push in the coming weeks.

“They are part of our playmaker group and they’ve had some really good games this year,” he said.

“But collectively we need to be better.”

Griffin confirmed centre Zac Lomax is edging closer to a return after dislocating his thumb in round 8, which required surgery.

“No, Zac won’t play, it has just come around too quick,” he said.

“He is progressing really well. He had the operation, and he got the wire and pins out last Tuesday and if it were another four or five days, he would be right, but it is just too quick.

“Long-term we’ll make sure that we look after him and he’ll be ready for our game in two weeks.”

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