Josh Dugan admits a taxing State of Origin campaign has taken its toll as he seeks to overcome the physical and mental anguish of NSW’s humiliating loss in the interstate decider.
One of the Blues’ best during this year’s Origin series, Dugan was rested from St George Illawarra’s loss to Cronulla on Sunday, after the Blues were thumped 52-6 in Origin III in Brisbane last Wednesday.
The Dragons star fullback will return for Saturday’s round 19 clash with South Sydney at the SCG after a much needed lay off.
“Origin took a fair bit out of me,” Dugan said on Wednesday.
“I was pretty sore and sorry after the game. You work so hard for that Origin period, it’s just a roller coaster, you’ve got to play on Wednesday and back up a couple of days later.
“There’s so much hype around those games, it’s just about being able to get up and being able to get away from it when you are, and that was the biggest thing I took out of it this year.”
Dugan’s return is crucial for a Dragons side who have lost their last five games over the latter stages of the Origin period.
The former Canberra custodian said the time off should put him in good stead as the Dragons battle for a finals spot over the last eight rounds.
“I was a bit mentally run down after game three,” Dugan said.
“I had that week off, I needed that rest and I’m ready to go again. I’d been carrying a few little niggles over the last two months,” he said.
“It’s always good to rest the body and they mind. I needed a couple of days break and I’m excited about getting back into training with the boys.”
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