Josh Dugan frustrated by St George Illawarra’s refusal to offer him a fullback contract
CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSI, The Daily Telegraph
26 minutes ago
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A FRUSTRATED Josh Dugan cannot understand why St George Illawarra continue to undervalue him as he prepares to play his seventh Test for Australia.
On the same day fellow star fullback James Tedesco signed a four-year deal with the Sydney Roosters, Dugan told The Daily Telegraph he was unsure what more he could do to prove to his own club he deserved to be paid as a fullback, not as a centre.
Dugan has baulked at a three-year offer from the Dragons, but deep down knows the difference between the two positions in terms of money could be up to $300,000 a season.
While he will play at right centre for Australia in the Anzac Test against New Zealand, Dugan and Dragons coach Paul McGregor agree he’s best used in the No. 1 for his club.
Dugan also has no idea who the Dragons intended to play at fullback next year if they shifted him to the centres.
“That’s where I’m lost as well,’’ Dugan said. “I think the they’ve got plans for some of the younger guys coming through.
“But when I was coming through as an 18 and 19-year-old, your body is just not ready for it, and as a fullback you need to be (battle) hardened. It’s a tough position for a kid.
“I’ve been picked for Australia, and hopefully I’m picked for the Origin side in a few weeks time. There’s no reason why they (the Dragons) should have any doubts about how well I’m performing.
“I feel like I’ve proven myself at all levels, and I guess the most disappointing thing for me is the Dragons don’t see that.’’
The Wests Tigers and Bulldogs both need a fullback, but Dugan’s first preference is the Red V. He wants to recommit long-term, just as he did for four years in 2013. He won’t accept the centre money and then be expected to play fullback.
“The club recruitment see me as a long-term centre, and I don’t agree with that,’’ Dugan said.
“I’m not being greedy, I’m going for what I feel I’m worth as a world-class player. The club has offered me a three-year deal, but as a centre.
“I’ve played my whole career at fullback, I feel like I am one of the better fullbacks in the comp, and I feel I bring a lot to the table at fullback.
“That’s not to say I don’t bring anything to the table as a centre, but the way I see the Dragons’ structure at the moment, I fit right in at fullback.
“I’m playing some good footy, and I feel I’ve played good footy at fullback the last few years now. It’s annoying having to explain why I should be playing there when the club has hopefully seen what I have done over the years for them at fullback.
“We have a roster I’ve been a part of the last three or four years, we’ve been building and getting to point we’re at, so I’d hate to leave when we’re just starting to click into gear.’’
Dugan cannot wait to combine with his good mate Blake Ferguson on the Kangaroos’ right side, and was also proud of Dragons prop Russell Packer who will play for the Kiwis.
“I’ve said it 100 times, but sometimes it takes a kick up the bum to realise what you have and don’t want to lose, and ‘Rusty’ is another example of that,’’ Dugan said.
“He’s turned his life around, and I think he’s studying his second degree. To run out for his country is massive for him and his family.’’
As for teaming up with Ferguson, Dugan said it helped being so close off the field, and playing outside the classy Cooper Cronk and Matt Gillett.
“It works for the Australian side, and hopefully we can keep it together for the Origin side,’’ Dugan said of his right-side combination with Ferguson.
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