NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley will give injured star Josh Dugan every chance to prove his fitness for game two, according to St George Illawarra mentor Paul McGregor.
Dugan is just one week into a four-week recovery from elbow surgery that forced him to pull out of their series-opener just four days before kickoff.
However Dugan has since been working around the clock in a bid to make a final attempt to play in Brisbane.
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“I could never write him off. You’re never sure with Josh. He’s a competitor. He’ll give himself every chance. He could make it, definitely,” McGregor said on Friday.
A former assistant to Daley for the Blues, McGregor revealed he had spoken to the under-pressure mentor prior to game one on how to approach the upcoming Origin series.
He is certain Daley would be calling Dugan on his current status.
“I’m sure he’d be in contact. Josh has been a major player for the Blues for a number of years, and one of the first picked due to the fact that he can play multiple positions,” McGregor said.
“He’s dominated Origin at fullback, so I’m sure if he’s available he’ll certainly come into the picture, because if I’m a coach, I’m looking to put my best players in a must-win situation.”
McGregor said Dugan just started to get the range back in his arm.
“He’s keen to give himself every opportunity to either play on that Wednesday night or play the following week with us,” he said.
“I wouldn’t rule anything out. He’s a good healer. He come back from his neck a lot earlier. He hasn’t missed many games of footy in the last 18 months as well.”
Lafai said Dugan had progressed well in his recovery.
“I think he’s related to Wolverine. Hopefully we can get him out there as soon as possible,” he said.
Daley names his team at fulltime of Monday’s NRL game between Cronulla and North Queensland.
PNG Hunter
Guest
NSW should select this team: 1. James Tedesco 2. Josh Mansour 3. Josh Morris 4. Josh Dugan 5. Blake Ferguson 6. James Maloney 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. James Tamou 11. Wade Graham 12. Josh Jackson 13. Paul Gallen 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Bryce Cartwright 16. David Klemmer 17. Andrew Fifita
Cadfael
Roar Guru
The problem is where would Daley play him. On form, there are at least three better fullbacks in front of him. McGregor played him once in the centres then moved him. In the test he wasn't much better.
Hollywood
Guest
Dugan tries 100%, but won't win you a game. Very little try assists, very little tries. Not the answer to NSW.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Oh good, I was getting concerned that the blues were starting to make good selections
Alex L
Roar Rookie
They picked him during last seasons tests with NZ Craig.
pjm
Roar Rookie
$100 on Maroons.
Chsarles NSW
Guest
Sad to see Mike Cooper go He is one of the best for the Dragons
craig swanson
Guest
Could not give a fig whether Dugan plays SOO or not. I do, however, feel a bit deflated today after hearing Dragons prop Mike Cooper is returning to the OLd Dart at the end of this season. Since debuting with the Dragons in 2014 the big Warrington man has improved every season. He is playing the best I have seen him in the Red V right at the moment. The Poms should pick him.