Josh Dugan is on his way out of the nation’s capital after being sacked by Canberra Raiders this morning, following a meeting of the club’s board.
Canberra officially announced the axing at a press conference this afternoon, confirming that Dugan’s contract had been terminated with immediate effect.
Dugan will not be de-registered from the NRL, and it is expected that there will be a number of clubs that will clamour for the fullback’s services, with Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos emerging as two potential suitors.
Dugan had posted photographs of himself and teammate Blake Ferguson drinking on Monday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the Raiders’ heavy defeat at Penrith.
Ferguson has received a suspended sentence of $10,000 and been stood down from playing commitments by the club indefinitely. He will continue to undergo counselling while he is stood down.
It was the latest in a string of incidents that have plagued the career of the talented Dugan since his debut in 2009.
Ill discipline off the field and numerous injuries have stunted the rise of Dugan, who looked set to become one of the NRL’s elite players after making his State of Origin debut for NSW in 2011.
Coasty
Guest
Well Josh, the good news is that there's always the prospect later of a position as a match analyst in the media.
Geronimo
Guest
Of course there is rehabilitation and kids do make mistakes especially when fame is thrust upon them. The Titans have rehabiliated a few...
Mantis
Roar Guru
Nah I know about Vaea, my comment was directed at KPM
Ian
Guest
It would be nice if there was some honour between clubs and a gentlemen's agreement not to employ each others behavioural discards. Then there would be meaningful consequences to being a dickhead. Of course, this will never happen. Too many clubs have very low standards and self-respect.
Hard Core
Guest
Agree 100%, the NRL should refuse to register his contract for 2013 if he signs for another club
Phelpsy
Guest
Is anyone buying this ??? Circumstantial don't you think ???
outsider
Guest
Sorry Damien, just don't think the boy's that clever. Any other club welcome to him - often injured, up and down game performance, poor off-field behaviour. Would imagine senior plays wouldn't find him exactly easy to work with. Sometimes brilliance doesn't cut it. Rugby would run a mile in the opposite direction away from him. It may take him a while to learn about commitment, but then again that's assuming he ever does.!
leaguie
Guest
the good thing about this is that rugby union have pretty strict rukes for their players - they are happy to kick an idiot out and their code is better for it - so on the plus side he won't go to union as they won't have him. Looks like the Brumbies have prett good culture and wouldn't risk losing it with some league drongo.
Damien
Roar Guru
Now this is the blueprint of how to break a contract. Dugan and Furner not getting along. Dugan wants out. Dugan thinks to himself 'Hmmm...How can I do this, I just signed a long term deal, I know, I'll play ordinary, miss recovery, training and seal it with an Instagram pic of me boozing it up while injured flipping the bird !!..Brilliant !!. There's no way they'll cop that and I'll be out of here in days !!..WOW I'm so clever !!. Nasser has nothing on Dugan. Dugan gets to walk without paying a single cent !! Seriously there needs to be some sort of NRL stand down period for this situation. If he goes to another code so be it..
Johnno
Guest
Mantis read it for yourself on Vaea. http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/blood-clots-put-brumbies-star-out-for-season-20130214-2eg93.html
Mantis
Roar Guru
Where would the Brumbies play him? I'd still pick Coleman on the bench over him, and theres no way hes taking a spot in the back 3. The Force or Rebels could use him. And he'd probably be the Tahs best player...
Mantis
Roar Guru
The boys also used to turn up to training
Mantis
Roar Guru
Are you for real? Vaea was 23 last year. Andrew Smith has the spot because McCabe is injured, and he is the next best choice for outside. I don't know you, but I'd say Jake White has a slightly better understanding of who he picks in his side and for what reasons, and I bet age isnt a factor...
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
The worlds smallest violin is now playing for you oikee. :p
Damn Straight
Roar Rookie
That's a good call EJ...there needs to be sterner consequences to deter these "kids" from slipping off the rails. Interestingly, at university in an anatomy and physiology lecture, our lecturer said that youths have a lot of trouble with understanding the consequences of their actions and were more likely to take silly risks, because their frontal lobe in their brain isn't fully developed till about age 28. The frontal lobe is where understanding the consequences of actions takes place. Come back when you are 28 and have another crack at it Josh. :)
Harry M
Guest
Dugan played RU as a kid but they'd have to pay him heaps and imagine Dugan on a South African trip.....no thanks..
Harry M
Guest
Oikee - chin up...
oikee
Guest
They get rid of Beale, a great young fullback to hire Dugan. Good night Broncos, this is the beginning of the end. This club will be on its knees in 2 years time.
Johnno
Guest
Vaea is injured KPM. He has a heart condition. He may return but unlikely this season maybe next season. the Brumbies are monitoring him, he apparently has had or has to have surgery.
Johnno
Guest
There's been talk about Josh Dugan and rugby union, I wonder if the Brumbies are one of those teams interested, Dugan would be handy at the Brumbies, the could use him