NSW enforcer Greg Bird has tipped rookie centre Josh Dugan to crack open State of Origin for the Blues and to help finally end Queensland’s interstate dominance.
After just two NRL games in the position, Dugan was named at right centre in place of the injured Josh Morris for next Wednesday’s return Origin fixture at ANZ Stadium.
Dugan warmed into the spot with a hat-trick for St George Illawarra against Cronulla on the weekend, and Bird, who returns to the NSW side following suspension for Game I, says Dugan shapes as NSW’s X-factor even though he has arguably the toughest Origin assignment possible – marking Greg Inglis.
>> Expert reaction the Queensland’s Origin team for Game 2
>> Expert reaction the New South Wales’ Origin team for Game 2
“Dugan is someone that is going to be a little bit different,” Bird said.
“I don’t think anyone has really seen what he is completely capable of, what he has got potentially in him, so it is a good opportunity for him to show what he has got at centre.
“He has been OK there at St George the last couple of weeks but like everyone says this is a massive step up and I think he is definitely capable.
“He has done it at fullback, he has excelled in rep games before and I think he will come out and have a strong game marking up against probably one of the best centres the game has seen.”
After sitting sideline during NSW’s epic Game I win, Bird said he was grateful to be back in the Blues side.
“I was involved in the camp a little bit towards the back end of the week last time but you aren’t really a part of it unless you are there on the field and watching that game was something I wished to be a part of,” he said.
“Missing out on that was so hard, especially the nature of how I missed out.
“Hopefully I can have an impact on this game.”
AAP jms/aro
River Lad
Guest
Dugan missed one tackle against the Bunnies. Made 25 tackles against them. You need to do some work on your comprehension, dude.
Knightblues
Roar Guru
I don't think Dugan is good enough to break the qld line, I just hope he stands up in defence and makes no mistakes, that's all I want from him, I too am looking forward to giving it to the toad supporters, hopefully at half time as well!
Cadfael
Roar Guru
He missed one tackle against the Sharks. Whoop-de-doo. A combined NSW/.Holden Cup side and he missed one tackle. An obvious lead in for SOO.
River Lad
Guest
I think Dugan will surprise everyone. Playing centre against the Bunnies, he made 25 tackles and only missed 1. Against the Sharks, again in the centre, he made 20 tackles, missed 3, and scored 3 tries. He goes good and he'll lift for Origin. By comparison, Matai missed 5 tackles in a game recently. Jennings missed 3 against Storm. Hodges missed 3 tackles but only made 4 against Canberra. Dugan has all the physical attributes (not counting intellect) to destroy Queensland if he is in the right mood. I'll take him for 1st try scorer. (In making this educated guess, I have considered all the analytics, including my secret 118 factors. :))
Batdad
Roar Rookie
I cite the case of Kemsley v Foot [1951]. This case details that every person has a right to express an opinion on matters of public interest. Origin and top level football players invite open comment as they work in a field in which hundreds of thousands watch them every week. Or does the Roar not ratify Australian common law rulings and make up their own bizarro North Korea style legal system where it's ok to sledge a Queenslander and support New South Wales fervently but not the other way around? Talk about double standards.
Charles NSW
Guest
Do not be surprised if they swap Dugan with Hayne if he has problems with defence. That is another option that the coach has.
Mac
Guest
I agree with you Charles, Dugan may well surprise a few and I have a feeling Laurie will switch him and Hoppa around before the game...
Charles NSW
Guest
I think Dugan may surprise many with his role in as Centre! He has two of the best centres in the game working on him and will continue to improve. As SOO centre it will be a big challenge but he will take it with both hands. In regards to passing the ball all he has to worry about is scoring tries and he can do that without passing.
BA Sports
Guest
The reason you can't remember Dugan trying to pass the ball is because, I assume, he was told to stop passing it. He is a dreadful passer of the football, both ways. You are right he tries to offload an awful lot in tackles and not always well. He should play on the wing where he can return kicks, which is what he can do well. or where he can take hit ups on the first or second tackle. But with him playing centre you may as well put a bomb catching specialist outside him for attacking kicks, because he (Hopa) will not see any ball through the hands. There is only two ways Hopoate will touch the ball - Hitups/dummy half runs, or from a cut out pass (attacking kicks you would imagine will be aimed at Tupou). And there is only one player in the NSW side capable of throwing an effective cut out ball and that is Hayne.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
I am a dragons supporter and I cannot remember the last time Dugan passed the ball, he tends to run as far as he can go and then try to offload in the tackle.
Paul B
Guest
You hope. I reckon Dugan is going to break the line and set up Hopoate outside or any one of a number of Blues quick men inside. I suspect qld are going to get smashed in Sydney. Looking forward to the utter dejection on the face of the smart arse qld team at the end of the match.
Edward Kelly
Guest
Suspect Dugan might go missing as his habit of running across the field in front of the defensive line will get him smashed and he has no passing game. He may actually get in the way of the real fullback talent and so Hayne may see less of the ball.