Dufty ready to fire after Dragons back him to be their No.1

St George Illawarra fullback Matt Dufty is ready to hit the ground running with a clear head when full pre-season training resumes next week after being reassured his future in the Red V had never been in doubt.

Dufty and Dragons director of rugby league pathways and list management, Ian Millward, felt the need on Friday to address reports the club had been prepared to release the 22-year-old from the remaining year of his contract to make way for Jarryd Hayne next season.

The Penshurst junior, who played all 26 games for St George Illawarra last season, had spoken to club officials and was told the Dragons had never considered trying to moving him on.

"I had a chat to the senior staff at the club and they have assured me of my spot at the club so I am keen to rip in," Dufty said.

"The club reassured me that if anything like that was going to happen they would let me know before it came out in the papers which is good to hear. I have got a good relationship with the staff and the club and I am looking forward to ripping in with the boys."

Millward reaffirmed Dufty had always been a part of St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor’s plans for next season.

"The speculation and misinformation surrounding Matt’s future has been disappointing," Millward said.

"Matt is contracted for 2019 and will definitely be a part of our squad next year. There has not been any internal discussion that suggested otherwise."

It is understood the Dragons had been considering a release to utility Kurt Mann to return to Newcastle next season but only if they signed Hayne.

However, that move now appears unlikely and Mann is expected to attend pre-season training in Wollongong on Monday when the majority of the St George Illawarra squad begin their preparations for next season.

Dufty has been among the less experienced players who began their pre-season earlier and he said was looking forward to the full squad resuming training next week.

"It has been pretty tough, it has been a shock to the system after a long break and getting away to come back and get straight into running but it is good to see all the boys again," he told Dragons.com.au.

"The last couple of years I have been one of the young kids so it is good to come back and try to push all the boys who are struggling with their first or second pre-season and help them through it."