Cronulla fullback Josh Dugan has angrily hit back at suggestions he is faking problems with his knee.
The NSW and Test representative is one of the highest-paid at the Sharks and into the final year of his contract with the club, which is reportedly worth $975,000.
However, issues with his knee have cast doubt over his playing future with reports claiming the Sharks’ physios cannot find any issues with the 29-year-old – something he vehemently denies.
It has also been claimed the former Canberra and St George Illawarra star is trying to secure an insurance payout that will allow him to walk away from the NRL.
“All I’m saying is if I’ve been cleared to train, why am I seeing two different surgeons next week?” Dugan told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“The MRIs also haven’t come back clean – they show chronic arthritis and inflammation of the bone and joint.”
Dugan has been told he can leave the Sharks for another club but insists there is little he can do until he has been given the all-clear by surgeons.
“There’s been little communication since I was told I could look elsewhere and I’ve gone off the advice of the physio and doctor, so I’ll keep doing that,” Dugan said.
“I’d like clarity around it too. It’s frustrating me more than anyone and hopefully I get that next week … that’s all I have to say about the issue.”
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Painkillers can keep players playing at the top of their game while their bodies breakdown.
Rob
Guest
Maybe the sports medicine they had going round a few years back isn't what it use to be? I have never seen so many players playing out of their skins to suddenly fall off the cliff physically so quickly, Bird, Tagataese, Bukuya, Fafita, Robson and Graham.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I've heard they've signed Darius on a three year contract.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Dugan was always a really strange signing for the Sharks. They seem to have a theory of signing as many backs as possible. Morris by far has been their best performer - Dugan, Moylan, Johnson haven’t gone close to delivering. Is Dugan on a back-ended contract?
Big Daddy
Guest
The Sharks want to show him the door and no takers. If he doesn't want to move on Newtown have a good Canterbury Cup side. Obviously Dugan is on a lot more than Morris and now they have resigned Ramien so not sure who their recruitment manager is.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Players soldier on with damaged knees for years sometimes and can't join in many of the training sessions so it's feasible both sides can have a point to argue. Fifita looks like he has a chronic knee problem to me and they've got a few issues the Sharks with Josh Morris trying to escape being another issue. None of it helps morale. I'm starting to suspect the Sharks are in for a very challenging season.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Gallen too. Bird was a wreck when he arrived at the Broncos. Plus an entire playing group that got banned for taking substances provided by the club. Never been a fan of Dugan, but the Sharks have to be the dodgiest club in the League when it comes to taking care of their players. Any player would be a fool to listen to their medical advice, or lack there of.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Sign with the Rabbits, the rest is easy
Albo
Roar Rookie
They do seem to have plenty of crocks regularly carrying recurring injuries ? Fifita, Moylan, Johnson, Graham & Dugan ? They could be just unlucky ?
Nat
Roar Guru
If he doesn't want to be there and they don't want him then maybe the physio should be 'finding something' in his knee. However, if the scans have come back with those issues, maybe the physio isn't the best bloke to make a call.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Here's a tip Josh. Make an appointment to see Sam & GI's GP. He'll be able to get you "medically retired". Simple.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Been told he can look elsewhere... then gets on the news media telling everyone how bung his knee is... How to sell yourself to a future employer :laughing: :laughing:
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
Does any club have a medical team with a worse record when it comes to player welfare than Cronulla?