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The Roar

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Is Dugan to centre the right move?

The St George Illawarra Dragons have not been great lately, but they could improve in 2017. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
10th February, 2016
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St George Illawarra’s incumbent fullback Josh Dugan is in line for a permanent move to the centres.

But is that really what the Dragons need, if it’s going to be someone like Kurt Mann who takes over at fullback?

Would they get more thrust from Dugan at the back playing as a genuine ball runner and slotting Mann, move of a playmaker, elsewhere?

According to captain for this week’s Charity Shield against the Rabbitohs, winger Jason Nightingale, the moves at the Dragons are to play Dugan on the edge and get a playmaker into fullback.

“At the moment the plan is to play him in the centres. He’ll be playing in the centres next week in Nelson,” Nightingale told Sky Sports Radio.

In response to talk of revitalising the Dragons’ much-maligned attack, Nightingale said the following.

“A big part of that change is Duges to the centres.

“We get a lot of points when he plays in the centres and can finish off plays.

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“If I’m outside him I’m sure he will be able to provide a lot of spark and an attacking flair that we’ve been lacking a little bit.”

The Dragons have certainly done a good job of recruiting in the backs, with Mann and Tim Lafai both joining the club. They are both quality players, and can fill a hole for any team in the league.

However, Dugan’s always been a fullback. He has played arguably his best football at fullback, though he did score nine tries in 2014 playing in the centres with Brett Morris in the 1 shirt.

With the Dragons copping a lot of criticism for their stilted attack in 2015, it remains to be seen whether Dugan to centre is really the solution they need.

What do you think Roarers? Is this the right call for the Dragons in 2016?

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