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Why Josh Dugan should be the Blues' No.1

Josh Dugan heading to the Sharkies? (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Roar Guru
30th March, 2016
33

In last year’s Round 22 clash between the Raiders and the Tigers, I was completely enamoured with James Tedesco.

He was irresistible that night. Fast, dynamic, skilful.

He has long been earmarked for higher honours and it was always a case of when, not if.

Cue 2016 and we see an even more refined player at the peak of his form being pencilled in to wear the Blues’ number one jersey ahead of Josh Dugan. But are we too seduced by form over incumbency?

There’s a tendency to throw the baby out with the bath water after a series loss. Rugby league is a simple game overcomplicated by its faithful.

The whole Tedesco versus Dugan debate reminds me of a few others in the Blues’ recent history. I remember people calling for Brett Stewart over Jarryd Hayne, or Craig Wing over Danny Buderus.

Both Hayne and Buderus were serious Origin players. Both are Brad Fittler medallists. Josh Dugan fits both categories. History has vindicated their selections.

There’s a purity about Dugan’s play. He simply runs hard. At key moments he wants the ball. He thrives in space. And he has size. Lots of it. His State of Origin debut in 2011 pointed to a player with the right temperament to succeed in the greatest of rugby league contests, and fullback is his only position.

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In the Dragons’ 2015 elimination final loss to the Bulldogs, Dugan was mighty. In the face of fatigue and injury, he produced a performance that said ‘big-game player’.

State of Origin matches are won by players of Dugan’s ilk. Players who don’t recoil in the big moments, who see opportunities rather than challenges.

This is not to say Tedesco would not do a fine job if selected. But there is no compelling argument that Tedesco’s selection over Dugan would improve the Blues’ chances.

If NSW want to accommodate both, they’re far better served leaving Dugan at one and playing Tedesco on the wing. Forget centre. Queensland used to rejoice when the Blues chose Brett Kenny in the centres as opposed to five-eighth.

NSW don’t have the luxury of picking their best players out of position.

As a Dragons fan I want Dugan to be successful. Players return to club football with confidence on the back of quality Origin performances. As a Queensland fan, I want to be challenged.

If the Blues are to have any chance, Dugan needs play at fullback. Queensland know it. If only NSW did too.

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