St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Josh Dugan is grateful for the chance to redeem himself with the Red-and-Whites after a tumultuous 2013 season.
The NSW State of Origin Representative is feeling fresh and ready to commence preseason training after finishing last season with an injured hand and ankle that has since healed.
The 23-year-old is eager to reestablish former on-field relationships with new recruits Peter Matautia and Joel Thompson and is hoping to step into a more influential and leading position with the Red V.
This past year has been a rollercoaster for me and Im thankful for the opportunities Ive been given at the Dragons, said Dugan.
Im looking to build on what Ive learnt over the last year, I only played 10 games for the Dragons and still had the opportunity to play Origin again so I definitely have some goals set for myself for 2014.
I went away for three weeks during off season; I went up to the Gold Coast and Bali and had a bit of downtime but I have been doing a fair bit of training in my spare time, trying to stay fit and healthy and rip into preseason.
Four weeks before the end of season I broke my thumb so I had to get a screw put in, about a week later I got my ankle cleaned out; technically I didnt miss too much and I was back only two weeks after the season finished for us so Ive had a pretty good break and Im ready to rip in.
I played in the NSW18s State of Origin with Peter Matautia so Im looking forward to playing with him again, Im also keen to play alongside Joel Thompson again; Ive always seen him as a tough back rower and I think he can give a boost to the team.
I got a few new tattoos over the off season; Ive always had tattoos so I thought Id get a few new ones.
Im looking to take on more of a leadership role over this coming season, put my best foot forward and help the team in any way I can.
http://www.dragons.com.au/news-display/Dugan-Ready-To-Rip/87577
Good to see he is looking to take on more of a leadership role! Can't wait to see him rip up with all the extra training and fitness he has been undertaking. It really does seem like his head is in a good place now.
