Josh Dugan may be on the move to another NRL club or even French rugby, according to reports from the Nine Network on Friday night that he is unhappy with his contract offer from the Dragons.
Dugan comes out of contract at the end of 2017, and has previously stated a desire to sign a new deal with the Dragons.
“I want to stay at the Dragons and hopefully that’s what happens,” Dugan said in December last year.
“I feel like they gave me a second chance and that’s why I extended for so long in the first place.
“I could have taken a two year deal and I chose four. I wanted to repay the faith and I’ll be looking to do that again.”
However, reports are that the Dragons’ offer to Dugan for a contract in 2018 and beyond is around $100,000 less per season, leading him to consider his options.
The Dragons have reportedly encouraged Dugan to test what his worth might be on the open market, and it is also being said that Dugan has instructed his manager to look into opportunities in French rugby.
Dugan said in December last year that finishing his career in French rugby could be an option.
“Maybe in a few years’ time,” Dugan said. “Maybe a bit of French rugby and get to travel.”
It looks like a disappointing contract offer from the Dragons could move “a few years’ time” a bit closer to the here and now.
There is of course speculation that the Dugan situation may have arisen out of the Dragons’ big-money signing of former Brisbane Bronco Ben Hunt.
Hunt signed a five-year, $6 million contract in January to join the Dragons for the 2017 season and beyond.
26-year-old Dugan has made 67 appearances for the Dragons since joining them in 2013, and played 70 matches for the Canberra Raiders prior to that.
He has represented New South Wales on nine occasions, and Australia on six.
Mandrake
Guest
Yeah but the US Vice president and the Chinese Premier are 2 who will take in a game over last and next year.
Mandrake
Guest
Norad Western Force and reds struggled to get players to go to perth hence have closed/struggled and Billy Slater went from FNQ to Melbourne and lots of NRL kids have gone on scholarships to schools away from their parents - eg Souths player from Cowra? who went to Scots and Vidot who came from Qld and went to school in Canberra with Raiders so you have no idea of your own code. There are plenty of 18 years olds who have left home for the big smoke in the NRL
Adrien
Guest
As a regular top14 viewer, i think most teams are average. He would start on the wing andn switch to fullback or Center whether he develops kicking or passing game. Sure he won't be as good as he is in league but he won't be terrible. The season is so long that for a big part of the year, away teams often simply just show up. He won't be a great player but he will be average+ and earn more money for much less effort. That's an easy way out but who could blame him for chosing this path?
Jeff dustby
Guest
This link tells the story http://www.smh.com.au/sport/dugans-legwork-for-gridiron-star-20130202-2drtj.html
Jeff dustby
Guest
I thought you sounded familiar
Footy 101
Guest
PatchMan, that was 2015 and NSW lost horribly. He plays hard but the NUMBERS DON'T LIE. He is not solely to blame for the Dragons horrible attack but a great player should still have points in them in any team in the NRL. Again, you can say "he tries hard" all you like but the NUMBERS DON'T LIE. When did he last score a runaway try in the NRL? Seriously, find me that. You don't have to look far to find Tedesco or Trbojevic sprinting away from everyone.
Jacko
Guest
Patchman I agree that Dugan is a very good player but Widdop is just plain useless. He has NO vision and only ever does what he has rehearsed. And isnt even very good at that
Jacko
Guest
hey Jeff...when did you get out?
Jeff dustby
Guest
You mean the side of the JV that is eternally broke ?
Jeff dustby
Guest
Please show me this article on ennis? I think you have the wrong person Check your facts And yes I have met and heard Dugan and his actions speak for themselves Posting an indytagram photo sticking finger up on a roof top doesn't mean bogan?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
One thing I know for sure, if Dugan leaves, the tattoo population within the Dragons will drop by 80%.
PatchMan
Guest
& they'll keep on goin backwards till they get New Coach/Staff!
Parra
Guest
I agree, sometimes the way a team is coached can stifle a players potential. I don't rate Mary as a coach and I think he knows it too; the Dragons are going backwards.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Firstly Ben Hunt starts in season 2018. Not 2017 as written in the article. Dugan is a good in the 3/4's he just needs to learn how to pass, or more accurately, he needs to be coached that way. If he feels he shouldn't be given a pay cut then good on him for looking elsewhere, personally I'm surprised he's still with the Dragons. While I doubt he would be suited to the north Queensland lifestyle his game would skyrocket alongside Coote JT Morgan and Granville. Feel sorry for the bloke actually.
sham
Guest
He is still good but he has lost pace and the tatts are not getting better
Parra
Guest
You are only worth what the market is prepared to pay.
PatchMan
Guest
Footy 101'... Did you forget Dugan was NSW Player of the Series' last season?? Too many of you are criticizing Dugan' for the Dragon's inability to play good footy! It's not his fault! He gives 100% every time he runs onto the pitch! He always puts his body on the line' to the point he gets injured! Dugan is worth the value that he seeks' & doesn't ask for much more the he believes he's worth! Same with Widdop'..He can only play as well' as his team is coached'..& unfortunately, they're not gettn coached well enough with the current coaching staff'..
zim
Guest
He was better at the raiders because he was fitter, lighter and hadn't spent 4 years collecting injuries.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Kevin, are you his lawyer (or his alter ego in disguise)? I noticed the pair of you on an AFL thread last week - a coincidence perhaps? Either way, Jeff should know that the reason he was called out was due to a recent comment on another thread - referring To Michael Ennis and people from Coffs Harbour as bogans with weird looking heads. It wouldn't surprise me if Jeff had never met or spoken to Dugan or Ennis. He wouldn't know a bogan from his backside - and WTF does Ray Lewis covering up a murder (for one of his friends) 17 years ago have to do with Dugan or this article?
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Would love to see this happen personally, not 100% on its viability but spreading them across 3 grounds is silly, exactly like the Tigers.