Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 28/03/2021 - Rugby League - Betfred Super League Round 1 - Castleford Tigers v Warrington Wolves - Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds, England - Warrington's Toby King (r) is congratulated by Jack Hughes on scoring a try against Castleford.
The two former St George Illawarra Dragons representatives will do battle at Wembley this weekend as Wigan Warriors face Warrington Wolves under the famous arch.
Saturday’s showdown will also see the Wigan number 13 face in-form Wire prop forward Paul Vaughan, having shared the field for two seasons in Australia with the Dragons.
“I played with them both at St George Illawarra Dragons, and I used to live with Matt Dufty,” Ellis explained.
“We’re good friends and they’re very good fellas
“It’s a bit weird, being friends with them and having lived with them, and now playing against each other in big finals. It’s pretty cool.”
He continued: “Honestly, when I moved over here, I thought I wouldn’t see Matt for a while. I lived with him for 12 months.
“He’s come over and he’s doing really well, so is Paul. They’re both doing a good job at Warrington.”
Australian full-back Dufty made the move to the Halliwell Jones Stadium outfit midway through the 2022 campaign.
But arguably only now is the 28-year-old reaching his full potential under new head coach Sam Burgess, with 10 Man of Steel points to his name alongside 10 tries in all competitions so far this season.
“He’s a good player, he’s very much like Jai Field in the way he can break open a game with his speed,” Ellis said.
“He’s been really good this year, and he’s definitely someone to look out for.”
Meanwhile, experienced forward Vaughan, 33, has established himself as one of the best front-rowers in the competition since his switch from Canterbury Bulldogs ahead of 2023.
Ellis continued: “He adds a lot to them. He’s very experienced, having played for Australia and New South Wales.
“He gets them going forward and he’s someone they look to.
“Credit to him, he’s done a really good job for them.”
Warrington boss Sam Burgess has enjoyed an impressive start to his head coaching career, having now replicated the same success as counterpart Matt Peet by guiding his club to the Challenge Cup Final during his debut season in charge.
The NRL and England legend was appointed on a two-year deal ahead of the 2024 season, and has transformed the Wolves following two miserable years, including a 13th-place finish in 2022.
