Sport has become such a big business that it needs villains and heroes to be sold to the masses in billion dollar bundles.
It is not just a contest between two teams, but also entertainment for hundreds of thousands.
So the players take on the role of characters and, as with every great drama, there needs to be heroes and villains.
Josh Dugan has played both roles throughout his career.
The local hero who rose through the ranks to score tries, bust tackles and play State of Origin.
The villain who chose social media to vent his growing frustration at his surrounds while lying on a rooftop – a move that led to the senior playing group in Canberra publicly condemning him.
All of this from a man who has both thrived and wilted under the glaring spotlight at just 23 years of age.
You don’t get as much drama in a series of a hit television show.
Cold days on a building site helped Dugan clear his head, but it also let the realisation sink in that playing rugby league for a living is reserved for a privileged few.
Last night, Dugan returned from his rugby league exile.
His first half performance was flawless, as he chimed into the Dragons backline and defused bombs like he had never been away.
His running game and kick returns gave an x-factor to a side that far too often has been a bit stale with the ball in hand.
The second half brought two tries and he had a third ruled out because of an obstruction from Michael Weyman.
Dugan’s talent has never been in question, but it takes more than that to have a long and successful career, not just in the NRL, but as a professional athlete.
We seek instant redemption for the returning star and proclaim all is forgotten because of 80 minutes of athletic endeavor.
It’s a well-worn cycle right around the world.
Return, star, incident, outcast, return and star.
Time is afforded to no one but, in this case, time is exactly what Dugan needs.
He doesn’t need to be Josh Dugan – superstar fullback – yet.
He just needs to be Josh Dugan – professional rugby league player – and fulfil that role with consistency over many seasons.
Dugan spoke after the game of how he “just wanted to fit in” and how he had been “welcomed with open arms,” by those at the club.
Indeed, he was embraced by his team-mates like a long lost son after each try.
Maintaining the trust and belief they have in him is now the biggest task.
It was a good return to the game – one that brought a proud and wide smile to the face of his father who was sitting in the stands with his St George Illawarra jersey on.
Let’s hope his son can stay in that jersey for a long time to come.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
It was good to see him play like we know he can, However i think we need to consider the quality of the opposition. If it wasnt for Hayne the Dragons would have put 50 on the Eels.
B.A Sports
Guest
OMG It is completly ridiculous. Certainly for Game 1. Fullbacks these days need to be able to chime in to the backline and have the option of pass or run. Dugan tried to throw one pass on Sat night and it went horribly wrong. Seriously, i don't think he threw one pass (successfully) all night. It was a good comeback against an average opposition. Had Hayne being wearing number 1 for the Dragons the score would have been 50-0.
Neural Network Network
Roar Rookie
Mate we're desperate and dateless. Anything to beat the banana benders.
Dan
Guest
I wouldn't say ridiculous, unlikely though for Origin 1 at least. Remember he was slated in as NSW fullback before the start of the season, so the main question is about his match fitness after 8 weeks off.. being a douche on social media doesn't impact his ability to play fullback. Given B.Stewart is out injured, and Hayne seems to need to play on the wing in Origin to keep himself from drifting in and out of the game - Dugan should be a contender for game 2 if he strings together a couple more performances like he did against the Eels.
Brendan Bradford
Roar Pro
He played a great game last night - good to see him back on the pitch - but talk of his selection for Origin is ridiculous. Still needs to prove himself over a month or two on and off the field.
Silvertail
Guest
This once I agree with you Baz ,,, Culture ,,, raiders don't have one because there isn't one in canberra, stale , cold hole of a place , just watch how good Duges goes , as for Reece , agree great potential, even better if he ditches the hole
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Club culture maybe? Dragons club culture is very, very, good.
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Hayne's one-on-one tackles on Dugan were really impressive ~ looking pretty good for Origin is Hayne
Bearfax
Guest
Said it before and will say it again. A person's personal life should not be confused with their personal abilities and performances unless of course they are breaking the law and are gaoled or are not meeting the requirements of the club they are employed by. Canberra decided to rid themselves of Dugan. St George decided to employ him. Both have their rights to do so and their judgements were probably sensible. But its ends there.. I'n not a Canberra or St George supporter, but I watched the St George- Parramatta game this weekend. I was impressed by both Dugan and Haynes. Their performances were flawless and both were good in defence and dangerous in attack. NSW needs these two in their side. Haynes has shown that he is excellent on wing so I would choose Dugan at full back and Hayne on the wing to get the best advantage for the Blues.
stormtrooper4
Guest
Great job by josh Dugan scoring the two tries, i was surprised by how close he seems with dragons team mates. I feel sorry for Canberra because they develop great players who seem to be idiots while at canberra and when they leave finally get their act together for another club.
Luke
Guest
Setting a great example for young players, act like a f wit and the nrl won't punish you. What joke
baldie
Guest
I doubt Furner cares, he has the most inform fullback in the comp right now with Reece.
Silvertail
Guest
Get that up ya furner
Cameron
Roar Guru
You obviously haven't watched 'The Walking Dead' or 'Game of Thrones.' But besides that... I'm glad he's back for his ability and potential are better had than lost. He'll learn and grow and that's all that matters.