NRL: Duffie out to impress and wing it into Kiwis side

Matt Duffie. Photo / Getty Images

A year ago Matt Duffie emerged from obscurity to make his NRL debut against the Warriors on Anzac Day - 12 months on he has even more to play for in the upcoming rematch in Melbourne.

The 20-year-old celebrated his promotion to first grade with a double as the Melbourne Storm responded to the stripping of two premierships for rorting the NRL's salary cap, with a defiant 40-6 victory.

Duffie's performance impressed his then assistant coach Stephen Kearney and a repeat against the Warriors on April 25 could earn him selection in the annual test against the Kangaroos on the Gold Coast on May 6.

Kiwis coach Kearney spoke enthusiastically about the lanky Christchurch-born back when discussing his options for the wing berth vacated by Manu Vatuvei.

The Warriors strike weapon suffered a knee injury against Kearney's Parramatta in round one and Sydney Rooster Sam Perrett's foot injury leaves one wing spot available (the other is filled by St George Illawarra's Jason Nightingale).

Kearney and the Kiwis selectors will assess the contenders over the next three rounds before the squad is named on May 1.

Duffie, who scored eight tries in 14 appearances last year, is highly thought of by Kearney - he has been linked with a move to the Eels - and despite a delayed start to this season through injury he makes a compelling case with four touchdowns in three games.

Although Duffie is yet to play rep football and is relatively inexperienced, Kearney said that would not count against him.

"He's part of a good system, part of a good team in Melbourne. He knows what's required. I don't think it's too early."

South Sydney's Tonga international Fetuli Talanoa has also caught the eye and Kearney was monitoring Bryson Goodwin when the Bulldogs played the Eels last night.

Krisnan Inu, who last played for the Kiwis three years ago, is also in the mix.

Kearney will have to do without centre Jerome Ropati and second rower Sika Manu for the one-off international.

"They're big losses but we can't focus on who we haven't got."

He admits it has been hard juggling his new head coach role at Parramatta with his Kiwis commitments but he is receiving plenty of help from fellow selectors Tawera Nikau, Tony Iro, Tony Kemp and convenor Howie Tamati.

- NZPA