When Josh Dugan was a gifted youngster, sans tattoos, we got a glimpse of what he is capable, both on and off the field. All these years later, little has changed.
A powerful ball-runner, he is a sound performer at state and international level, but hasn’t really produced on a consistent basis for the Dragons, who, with another former Raider in Josh McCrone at halfback, really need some spark at the back.
Dugan spends much of a game seemingly injured, and with the look of a guy who has just sucked on a piece of lemon. It’s easy to move on from Dugan as a Dragon.
His no-show for the biggest game of the Dragons’ season should be the last time he is sighted in the team, regardless of the result of Sunday’s blockbuster against the Bulldogs.
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The rise of Matt Dufty shows what a quality fullback looks like – one who sniffs around the ruck, and burns people on the outside with raw speed. Dufty’s try on Sunday was something I haven’t seen from Dugan in his five years at the club, which has yielded just 28 tries in 83 games.
The Dragons made a tough call in dropping Dugan, but it was the right one and to bring him straight back into first grade next week, disrupting a team that won so impressively, would be the wrong call.
Kurt Mann may look like he’s about 12, but plays well above his weight and puts in plenty every week. He deserves to keep his place in the team, giving Dugan plenty of time to think about his misdemeanour.
I’m not sure how Dugan’s signing was received by Sharks fans, especially with Valentine Holmes at fullback, and Dugan’s defensive frailties in the centres well known.
They have taken a risk in signing him, but good luck to Josh Dugan in 2018.
Agent11
Guest
Agree, he is very overrated. Excellent defender at fullback and decent kick returner but doesn't offer much else. Daley lost me when he picked him and Hayne at centre...
thomas c
Guest
Every now and again, i give the guy the benefit of the doubt, think "it's been a while since he did something dumb. Maybe he's matured." People want to believe in his redemption, and then he keeps proving himself to be, if not a liability, then a deeply questionable asset. He's going to look back on his career and if he's capable of any self awareness wonder what could have been. He could have achieved greater heights, could have achieved more in the way of good will at clubs (to use post retirement). We forget good players over time. But being a great or a club great is something that they can't take away from you.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Dugan is one of the most 'limited' upper echelon players going around. He has no football smarts or vision, which for a full back is a problem. His best attribute is getting the ball out of the dead ball area from a bomb but after that there's not much happening. Why Daley kept sticking with guys like this is another mystery, but now that Daley's been moved on, we at least we don't have to keep pondering this one.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Possibly his last SOO as well (same for Ferguson). Story today that Dugan and his room mate for Origin in Sydney damaged their room.
Matthew H
Guest
I'm a bit old fashioned but I can't believe this bloke was picked for rep footy this year. Not bring disciplinary action against this bloke and Ferg after they disgraced themselves in camp has shown up Daley and cost him his job. I also can't believe he is getting paid by a club. I would turf him so quick he doesn't have time to flush his 'gear'.
KingCowboy
Guest
Agree 100% with everything there!