National Rugby League premiers to a potential "pub team" - it's a career path Matt Duffie is willing to take to help mould the shamed Melbourne Storm's uncertain future.
When the Auckland teenager joined the club's under-20s squad in December 2008, it seemed a dream come true for the one-time New Zealand Warriors season ticket holder.
But two hours after the wing was chosen to make his senior debut against the team he used to urge on at Mt Smart Stadium, Duffie's proudest sporting moment was overtaken by the Storm's salary cap scandal.
Revelations Melbourne had systematically rorted the salary cap emerged on April 22, three days later Duffie scored a double -- an unforgettable entrance to first grade as the Storm's players responded to the stripping of their 2007 and 2009 premierships by flogging the Warriors 40-6.
Coincidentally, the Warriors are again the opponent at the end of another tumultuous week for the Storm, tomorrow's round 19 match in Auckland follows yesterday's confirmation that Melbourne had flouted the salary cap by a massive $A3.17 million from 2006.
The Storm faces shedding $A1.3m from its wages bill to operate under the cap next year so significant personnel changes loom, particularly as the club is determined to retain highly-paid superstars Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.
Even if they stay, about 10 of the current squad might have to pay the price and move on.
John Hartigan, chief executive of News Ltd, the Storm's financial backer, said while the quartet were "the heart and soul" of the club their teammates could resemble a "pub team" in 2011.
Duffie read nothing derogatory in that description as he reflected on a bizarre introduction to life as a professional footballer.
Lowly-paid and contracted to the end of 2011, the 19-year-old is among the cheap up-and-comers relied on to guide the club out of purgatory.
"To be part of it is pretty weird," said Duffie, before flying to his hometown.
"I'm pretty lucky, I'm not as affected as the older guys at the club and the guys off contract."
Since his surprising promotion for the Anzac Day clash at Etihad Stadium, Duffie has been an automatic choice, notching seven tries in 10 appearances.
And with rival wings Anthony Quinn and Luke MacDougall likely to be jettisoned at season's end Duffie's future has been enhanced.
He rated Canberra's Joel Monaghan and Bryson Goodwin (Bulldogs) as his toughest opponents so far - though he might have to revise that assessment.
Duffie marked Bill Tupou in game one against the Warriors, now Manu Vatuvei poses a gigantic obstacle.
"I think he's got 30 (kilogrammes) on me," joked Duffie, 93kg.
"It's going to feel strange. I remember when he came into first grade (in 2004). I used to be a big fan."
The bullocking Vatuvei has been in fine form since returning from injury, he has 11 tries from 10 games and has touched down in each of the Warriors four consecutive wins.
Melbourne has dropped four of their last five and appear a pale imitation of the team that annihilated the Warriors in round seven.
But Duffie denied motivation had waned as the wooden spooners continue to play for zero competition points.
"There's talk of boys dropping off but we're keen to play out the season as best we can," he said.
"The guys that are staying need to give those other guys the best opportunity to be picked up for good money. We have to play our part there."
