Duffus shocked many on-lookers in Pomona when he took out the title in his first race with an impressive time of 24m 22s.
In doing so, he managed to see off the challenge from Kawerau's 2012 winner Chris Morrissey.
Duffus has represented Australia as a junior in the world mountain running champs and plies his trade as an ultra runner. Putauaki will be a whole new beast though and experience in Kawerau is often the point of difference.
Defending king of the mountain Morrissey has been in amazing form since winning the Kawerau title in 2012.
He will be the man to beat this year as he comes closer to 10 titles.
Another strong challenger for the title will be Galatea pig hunter and previous king Sjors Corporaal.
With no Shay Williamson this year (injured) the most likely junior to make a decent challenge will be Glen Stricot-Tarboton.
Ben McMullen is the Aussie veteran making his first trip to Kawerau and he will no doubt have a great dual with Andrew Town (Wanaka).
Town was the first veteran in Pomona back in July and represented New Zealand and Kawerau with a fine achievement.
Veteran Gary Schwass (Whakatane) will also be hoping to grab another sub-60 minute time after coming close in 2012.
In the race for queen, Pomona veteran Hubertien Wichers will once again represent Australia.
