Dugan retires.

[TruSaint]

Expected I suppose. Am a big fan. I know he has polarised opinions, but I wish him well.

"So by now I’m sure everyone’s seen the news, and for me that ends my time in the nrl.

"What a journey it’s been from a scrawny little kid at south Tuggeranong to debuting at 18 for the raiders, playing origin at 21 against some of the best players in the era then moving to the dragons, a team I supported growing up and loved every minute of it, and lastly the Sharks which while has ended the way it has I wouldn’t change a thing, it’s been a roller coaster throughout my career but due to my support network and my own grit and determination never gave up or took an easy option, in doing that I got to represent my country and state whilst playing over 200 games.

"To my teammates over the years thank you, staff and coaches alike thank you. Made some lifelong brotherhoods and had some unreal opportunities.

"My next chapter involves community work and hopefully running my own business."

Dugan retires after Sharks terminate contract over COVID breaches

The Sharks have announced they have terminated the contract of former international Josh Dugan following a second breach of the NRL's biosecurity rules.

www.nrl.com

 

[hewi]

Did some silly things as have I but I actually have a lot of time for him. I think he has a big heart and wish him well for the future.

 

[since77]

Had his flaws as a player but played with more heart than the 2021 team combined.

 

[JohnnoMcJohnno]

Always liked Dugan as a player. Good defender and great runner of the ball. I'll never forget that first game he played for us - what a difference he made. Absolutely blitzed it on the field. Alas, Steve Price soon had him playing as badly as everyone else.

 

[hewi]

Always liked Dugan as a player. Good defender and great runner of the ball. I'll never forget that first game he played for us - what a difference he made. Absolutely blitzed it on the field. Alas, Steve Price soon had him playing as badly as everyone else.

Steve Price and the peanut could even untrain a dog from pissing on a tree

 

[Gareth67]

When Josh was playing for the Raiders he won 2 matches in the dying minutes against the Dragons and had the makings of a real quality player .

Never quite made it there due to that rebellious streak in him , still he gave his best for our team , certainly wish the man well in his retirement .

 

[Spazer]

He had one of the slowest play the balls but had some monstrous 40-60m kick returns when playing fb for us which is what I loved about him. Also had some good games at centre which I thought was his best position but wasn't to be.

 

[Bring back John Fifita]

Duges good.

Genuinely wish him all the best. He copped a lot for stuff seen as bad in some quarters. But played his guts out with us and I reckon also played his best footy with us too. He's one of many who got an origin debut while on our watch last decade.

Always remember his dad in the crowd at a game in the gong, showed on telly - and Josh with a smile on his dial for seeing it. A standout memory for me when I think of him.

All the best Josh - you did more people proud than many will give you credit for mate.

 

[Dragon David]

Enjoyed watching Duges play. He terrorised us when he played for the Raiders. It was good that he was able to play with the Dragons - the team he followed as a kid.

Good luck Duges in your future endeavours. I hear the tattoo businesses are needing to see you!

 

[BIG RIG]

He was a great player for us

 

[Forbes Creek Dragons]

A few of the young blokes I worked with that played Raiders juniors always spoke very highly of Duges, said he was always the one out of anyone that wasn't arrogant and would hang around and help the young guys out after training. Despite the trouble he's had I haven't heard anyone say he's not a good bloke. It is a shame we couldn't provide a better coach or two while we had him, Widdp and co.

 

[OneEyedDragon]

A few of the young blokes I worked with that played Raiders juniors always spoke very highly of Duges, said he was always the one out of anyone that wasn't arrogant and would hang around and help the young guys out after training. Despite the trouble he's had I haven't heard anyone say he's not a good bloke. It is a shame we couldn't provide a better coach or two while we had him, Widdp and co.

He sure was a good player, but unfortunately he kept making some poor decisions off the field. I was never surprised when his name was reported in the media as having been involved in some off-field drama.

Will the media rip into the Gummies for tearing up his contract? Or is it OK because the Gummies are not the Dragons?

 

[Coffs dragon]

IMO Duges could of been anything on the field.
Unfortunately, he was bulked up & de-skilled under the 2 P-plater coaches in Peanut & Pricey.
Hence he always seemed to be at his best in Origin away from them.

 

[OneEyedDragon]

Duges was a good player, but i think the weight of the extra tattoos slowed him down over time.

 

[Ghostface Killah]

Josh did good for Saints.

Saints did good for Josh.

Simples.

 

[redv13]

Loved Duges at the dragons. Put his heart into every game and put his body on the line too. Does a lot of good stuff off the field behind the scenes for charity but that never makes the media….. best of luck champion

 

[Blood Shot Eyes]

All the best Duges in whatever the future brings for you.....I was a huge fan whenever you wore the Red V......busted your arse over and over for us and always put your body on the line....you had your detractors but I wasnt one of them.....enjoy footy retirement mate

 

[Old Timer]

Duges efforts on the filed were in line with many great players that pulled on the Big Red V.

Never shirked it and shed plenty of blood & skin for the team.

The press were relentless in their pursuit of him and tbh his misdemeanours were absolutely trivial compared some that actually still remain in the limelight on the field and in the commentary box.

Hardly a bad boy maybe just a tad silly and immature at times but as others said he does a lot of work in the community and is always polite and obliging to anyone who engages him.

Good luck Duges you were a high quality saint.