Josh Dugan has revealed a throwaway line from St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor is behind his inclusion as centre for NSW.
Dugan was recalled to the Blues’ State of Origin side by coach Laurie Daley on Tuesday to replace the injured Josh Morris despite having just two NRL encounters in the role under his belt.
The 24-year-old has made all four of his previous Origin appearances at fullback but lost out to Jarryd Hayne for game one in Brisbane.
But after bagging a hat-trick of tries in the Dragons’ win over Cronulla on Saturday, he did enough to convince Daley he could do a job against Queensland in game two next Wednesday.
“I am enjoying it and I played there a bit in the juniors and Jersey Flegg in 2007,” Dugan told AAP.
“Before the Melbourne game about six weeks ago, he kind of made a joke about me making a good centre and I just laughed it off.”
“But when Mary (McGregor) took over from (Steve) Pricey, he asked me if I wanted to play there and I told him I’d do it.”
McGregor was an outstanding centre in his own playing days and said after the win over the Sharks, Dugan had the ability to play in the No.3 jumper in Origin.
And Dugan said that faith shown in him by someone with such a rich pedigree had given him the belief he could shine in a new position.
“Mary and Matt Cooper have helped me out massively,” he said.
“They are both Dragons and NSW legends and having them there to guide me along has been really beneficial.
“Getting the chance to part of the side that stopped Queensland’s run would be the best moment of my career and I just hope I don’t let anyone down.”
The Koomz
Guest
Every player wants to test themselves against the best. Dugan vs Inglis will be worth the price of the attendace alone. I doubt both will have poor games.
jameswm
Roar Guru
If Inglis even starts.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
I just hope he can catch and hold Inglis.
Charles NSW
Guest
Finally you got your wish Walter! Let us hope he puts pressure for a permanent spot. If so the Dragons will continue to improve as a team. I got my wish to see Dugan be a centre for both the Dragons and SOO. He has McGregor and Cooper helping him, being former centres so he is in good hands to make it his own. Beale may do better as fullback than centre. The forwards still need to shape up they are a worry.
Albo
Guest
No ! But as long as he can catch it and hold it , he will do fine for what's required of him !
Edward Kelly
Guest
Can Dugan pass the ball?
Sir Jamie Lyon
Guest
Dugan in center equals inglis man of the match
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Well Dugan's selection for NSW pleases me for it has finally allowed Charly Runciman his chance at centre for the Dragons. With Peter Mata'Utia playing on the wing outside him I expect Runciman will have a chance to demonstrate his wares finally
The Koomz
Guest
Fingers crossed, Doogs.