Signings watch: The unsigned fullback the Bears should poach

On January 7, 2026, Matt Dufty was released by the Warrington Wolves by mutual agreement.

With his playing future up in the air, the Rabbitohs took a chance on the 30-year-old and have been rewarded.

And now, Jimmy Smith believes the Perth Bears should attempt to secure his signature.

The former Dragons and Bulldogs fullback received a lifeline in January from South Sydney to join their NSW Cup side on a one-year deal.

After joining the squad, Dufty has been in fine form, having scored five tries in the first five games whilst averaging 232.8 run metres per game.

Then, when Jye Gray suffered a shoulder injury, the Rabbitohs managed to get an exemption that would allow Dufty to play in the NRL in Round 7 for the first time since 2022.

And since that win against the Dragons, the 30-year-old has remained in the side, having taken his NSW Cup form into the NRL, running for 211 metres per match, seeing him rank fourth in the competition.

Given that Dufty’s playing future for 2027 and beyond is unconfirmed, Smith believes the Bears should look to add him to their inaugural roster.

“Matt Duffy, 329 metres (ran), couple of errors late, but (a) try assist, multiple line breaks, and he's unsigned for next year,” Smith said on SEN’s Kick-off.

“Now, is there a club that's going to wear black and red that's in the west, that only has 19 players?

“Why would Perth not be interested in Matt Duffy?

“We looked at the list of players that they have. Outside of Nick Meaney, they haven't got a fullback.”

Greg Alexander would agree, noting Dufty’s impact on the field has added an extra element of danger to the Rabbitohs’ attack.  

“He'd be a good signing,” Alexander added.

“He was great yesterday.  I did wonder why Jai Gray wasn't playing because he was on the bench, so obviously, he was fit.

“But every time Dufty had the ball, he's a tackle breaker. He looks like he's gonna work his way through a defensive line nearly every time he touches it.”

The Rabbitohs have the bye in Round 13.

Their next match will be on June 4 when South Sydney takes on Manly at Brookvale Oval.