Dufty's short-term return to South Sydney was designed to prove he still belongs at NRL level.
The fullback came through St George Illawarra Dragons pathways and went on to play in their top grade for four seasons.
After a move to the Bulldogs in 2022 he transferred to England's Warrington Wolves a year later and has spent the last four seasons there.
An NRL lifeline from the Rabbitohs allowed him to come home and he has grabbed the chance to revive his career.
Back in his old stomping ground at the Charity Shield he produced a try, a try assist, two line break assists and ran for 232 metres.
That performance reinforced his claim to be ready for top-level football again.
He has made the 100-game milestone a stated target as he pushes for a return to the NRL.
"When I left, I didn't think I'd come back,"
Dufty told NRL.com.
"I didn't think my first game back would be at WIN Stadium against the Dragons, so it's a full-circle moment.
"I didn't know what my future looked like when I decided to come home.
"I've landed at the Rabbitohs, and you couldn't write about it to win my first game back against the Dragons.
"It's surreal, I've never won a Charity Shield before.