Josh Dugan officially signs a 4 year deal with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

[Saintsified]

It's not closed, more like you got blocked.

 

[Saintsified]

Not me

Well sounds like even a rub n tug wouldn't.

 

[getsmarty]

Cronulla Sharks sign St George Illawarra Dragons star Josh Dugan on four-year, $3 million deal
Adrian Proszenko
20 May 2017, 8:39 p.m.

Cronulla Sharks here I come: Josh Dugan. Picture: Getty Images

The debate over whether Josh Dugan is a fullback or a centre will be determined by Cronulla after the representative star signed a four-year, $3 million deal with the premiers from next season.

The Sharks confirmed the signing on Saturday after Dugan fell out with St George Illawarra officials, who appeared to be at odds over his best position and subsequent market worth.

Dugan has been playing fullback for the Dragons, although NSW and Australian selectors have picked him into the centres. Dragons coach Paul McGregor, himself off contract, is of the opinion Dugan is the club's best No.1, while recruitment boss Ian Millward has him pegged - and priced - as a three-quarter.

Dugan is worth more as a fullback and it's understood he was initially seeking up to $1 million per season to remain in the Red V. While they won't be paying that much, the Sharks have taken advantage of the fallout to sneak under the guard of their traditional rivals.

The Sharks already have a representative fullback in the form of Valentine Holmes, who has seamlessly fitted into the role previously occupied by Ben Barba.

The issue of where he is best suited drove him out of the Dragons, but for Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan it is a welcome headache.

"He is looking forward to being part of the development of players such as Val Holmes and as to where he might play for next year, quite simply he is the current Test right centre and who can also play fullback which is a bonus for our club," Flanagan said.

"Josh will bring quality and experience to our backline next year and to sign the current Origin and Australian Test centre is major coup for the club and for our future.

Josh Dugan on the move: "We are rapt to have him" - Paul Gallen

"We have a number of exciting young backs coming through our grades and Josh's experience will be invaluable in helping with their continued development. Josh has just turned 27 and I am confident his best football is still ahead of him."

The Dragons must now find a long-term fullback to replace Dugan.

Youngster Jai Field, the quickest man at the club, has experience in the halves but Millward believes he could best serve the club from the back. The club could look to recruit from outside, although it's likely several potential marquee replacements are about to come off the open market.

Jarryd Hayne has until the end of the month to trigger an option to remain on the Gold Coast for next season worth $1.2 million. The price tag is likely to scare off suitors and Hayne is tipped to officially stay put this week to ensure the issue doesn't overshadow State of Origin preparations for NSW.

Dugan suffered a fractured cheekbone during the Anzac Test but is hopeful of recovering in time for Blues selection.

It's understood his long-time NSW teammate, Cronulla captain Paul Gallen, played a role in his change of clubs.

"We are rapt to have him," Gallen said.

"I've been lucky enough to play rep footy with Josh over the years and he is a good guy and an outstanding team player.

"He is going to be an enormous boost to our team and Josh will be a great benefit to the club."

http://www.theleader.com.au/story/4...-yearl-deal-with-the-cronulla-sharks/?cs=1633

 

[Drag Queen]

Correct!
Dugan always put in.
Good luck to him.
CC

The big girl has closed his account after all the fan mail not happy with his decision. After 5 years with the dragons should have stayed for less with all his injuries Stick him on the bench for the rest of the season nightingale is doing a good job he is a real champion.

So he's smarter than Trump. I'm impressed.

 

[getsmarty]

Josh Dugan signs four-year deal with Cronulla Sharks
DAVID RICCIO, The Daily Telegraph
May 20, 2017 4:32pm
JOSH Dugan will enter NSW Origin camp with his future secured after signing a four-year deal worth $750,000 a season with premiers the Cronulla Sharks.

Putting an end to six months of uncertainty and conjecture from St George-Illawarra management over Dugan’s worth, the 27-year-old has decided to leave the Red V after five years to join the Sharks in 2018.

Despite Dugan receiving public support from coach Paul McGregor, the Dragons recruitment staff had made no secret of their preparedness to let him go, convinced that he only be retained at the worth of an NRL centre and not his regular starting position, fullback.

Ironically, it was as a centre replacement for Brisbane-bound Jack Bird, that provoked Cronulla into luring the Origin and Test star.

Dugan acted to end months of uncertainty at the Dragons. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
“Josh will bring quality and experience to our backline next year and to sign the current Origin and Australian Test centre is major coup for the club and for our future,” Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.

“We have a number of exciting young backs coming through our grades and Josh’s experience will be invaluable in helping with their continued development.

“He is looking forward to being part of the development of players such as Val Holmes and as to where he might play for next year, quite simply he is the current Test right centre and who can also play fullback which is a bonus for our club.’’

The Dragons are likely to look to rising stars Matt Dufty and Jai Field as replacement options for Dugan. However, South Sydney’s Alex Johnston, who remains uncontracted for 2018, could emerge as a target.

Dugan has chosen to waiver the 10-day cooling off period, informing McGregor of his decision on Saturday.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s/news-story/6d778c703bd6a2b34494efa449ac7c22

 

[getsmarty]

.................

 

[SaintPauli]

This mid season contracts crap is such a frigging joke. We already have so many rep. Game distractions, players getting injured left and right. NRL need to stop players negotiations to be only between full time of nrl grand final and following season kickoff. Critics out there, dont come up with players need time for Moving BS spin as its easy and cheap to rent a place until you soart yourself out. Particulary with the incomes being thrown around the place! Enough is enough as we THE FANS who support this game in more ways than one ARE FED UP.

 

[SaintPauli]

Don't agree... we have a team that can go a long way this year (now the Duges saga is over we can start talking footy again) play the players in their right positions so long as they maintain form... one change may be when Widdop is back Mann plays half back

I like Mann but he really needs to develop a kicking game. At least a short one.

 

[Overseas dragon]

And if josh was standing on the platform after the big red V won the grand final would you be still booing the tattooed one .wake up you guys.yes we can all dream

 

[SaintPauli]

Does Mary risk Dufty or Feild
When trying to renew his contract?

Likely Dugan will stay fullback for the season.

Dufty deserves a real Crack at fullback
when ? Is all our guess.

Interesting times ahead.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

Geez I haven't been in this sewer for years and it's great to see it still reaks of the foul cum stained stench. It's great to see that your best player has joined us for 2018. Will ensure that we get the three peat 2016/2017/2018

Arrrhhh life is great. At least you have Ben Hunt lololololololololololo.

Geez that Doust knows talent lolololol.

Enjoy bitches

Cronulla FINALLY stumbles to its first premiership after 49-years of glorious failure, and yet, this troglodyte suddenly thinks it will claim a 'three peat' in 2018?

I reckon the poor lad has been spending too much time BLOWing his life away with the likes of Damien Keogh and/Ben Barba.

C.S.F.C aka Curious Supplements Football Club.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

Josh Dugan signs four-year deal with Cronulla Sharks
DAVID RICCIO, The Daily Telegraph
May 20, 2017 4:32pm
JOSH Dugan will enter NSW Origin camp with his future secured after signing a four-year deal worth $750,000 a season with premiers the Cronulla Sharks.

Putting an end to six months of uncertainty and conjecture from St George-Illawarra management over Dugan’s worth, the 27-year-old has decided to leave the Red V after five years to join the Sharks in 2018.

Despite Dugan receiving public support from coach Paul McGregor, the Dragons recruitment staff had made no secret of their preparedness to let him go, convinced that he only be retained at the worth of an NRL centre and not his regular starting position, fullback.

Ironically, it was as a centre replacement for Brisbane-bound Jack Bird, that provoked Cronulla into luring the Origin and Test star.

Dugan acted to end months of uncertainty at the Dragons. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
“Josh will bring quality and experience to our backline next year and to sign the current Origin and Australian Test centre is major coup for the club and for our future,” Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.

“We have a number of exciting young backs coming through our grades and Josh’s experience will be invaluable in helping with their continued development.

“He is looking forward to being part of the development of players such as Val Holmes and as to where he might play for next year, quite simply he is the current Test right centre and who can also play fullback which is a bonus for our club.’’

The Dragons are likely to look to rising stars Matt Dufty and Jai Field as replacement options for Dugan. However, South Sydney’s Alex Johnston, who remains uncontracted for 2018, could emerge as a target.

Dugan has chosen to waiver the 10-day cooling off period, informing McGregor of his decision on Saturday.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s/news-story/6d778c703bd6a2b34494efa449ac7c22

For mine, that last paragraph says it all; Dugan simply can't wait to leave - and I believe McGregor is the real issue here.

 

[Pro Dragons]

I think Dugan is a tremendous loss. He has grown up since coming to the Dragons to the point of his name being mentioned as future captain of the mighty RED V. We cannot fall into the trap of the 5 year plan. As everyone knows players can be a standout in lower grades but never make it in the NRL. The young player who burst into first grade we often lose them to other clubs. I feel frustrated that we are finally getting over the long term mess Bennett left us and we have lost 2 marquee players Packer and Dugan that we need if we are going to challenge for the premiership. These two have a lot of football left in them. It is so disappointing to lose them. I hope they continue to perform at their best for the rest of 2017.
Their are only 3 NRL recognised fullbacks that may come onto the market
Haine,
for: brilliant at best.
against: can lose interest in the middle of a game. Not a great team man. Poor trainer
Ben Barber.
For: A match winner on his day, would give some flair to our backline. The Dragons do well with these players with problems. Would have to serve 12 weeks suspension before recommending his career in the NRL. If he signed now he could be right to start in 2018. We should be able to pick him up cheaply.

Against: has a history of his on field form being either a high or poor standard. Party drugs seem to be his weakness. Would need a minder in his free time to keep him on track.

Hopoate not sure if he has resigned with the dogs.
For: being in good form. Will now play Sundays.
Against. Won't train on Sundays.

 

[saintm]

I

I have not seen any games , is he going that good

Was at the game today and yes his second half was special to watch.

 

[Minh]

Mark my words if we make it deep into the finals, Dugan will be our main man in a tough situation...go Dugan, I hope you ignore the immaturity of some our supporters and win it for the people who have admired your great efforts in the last few years....

 

[Frank Facer]

Yes, I think that we should move Dugan to centre and give either Dufty or Field a proper go at fullback this year. If Dufty was to be given a shot, then I would like Field playing fullback in reserves. I really am warming to the idea of Field at fullback. Playing behind our big pack and with Hunt and Widdop feeding him the ball, I think he could be sensation there. He could really be the X factor that we have been missing. Field could be a marquee player in the next 3 or 4 years.

The problem with moving Dugan to centre is that I am pretty happy with Lafai and Milne there now.

 

[Minh]

We are a big chance to go far this year so it's not wise to experiment.....Dugan is currently our best FB...

 

[epDragon62]

Mann's confidence is high, his defence is great, attack is excellent; Duges will be playing at RC for the Blues and defends exceptionally.

This is the perfect time to add Mann's ball skills at FB, fix the right edge defence and add Duges' strength at centre to really threaten on both sides.

I'd love to see Mary turn our backline lethal by putting Mann at 1 and Duges at 4.

 

[Saintsified]

So Josh just confused his parents, they won't know who to follow now, arent they Dragons nuts?

That's just cruel

 

[Drag Queen]

Josh Dugan signs four-year deal with Cronulla Sharks
DAVID RICCIO, The Daily Telegraph
May 20, 2017 4:32pm
JOSH Dugan will enter NSW Origin camp with his future secured after signing a four-year deal worth $750,000 a season with premiers the Cronulla Sharks.

Putting an end to six months of uncertainty and conjecture from St George-Illawarra management over Dugan’s worth, the 27-year-old has decided to leave the Red V after five years to join the Sharks in 2018.

Despite Dugan receiving public support from coach Paul McGregor, the Dragons recruitment staff had made no secret of their preparedness to let him go, convinced that he only be retained at the worth of an NRL centre and not his regular starting position, fullback.

Ironically, it was as a centre replacement for Brisbane-bound Jack Bird, that provoked Cronulla into luring the Origin and Test star.

Dugan acted to end months of uncertainty at the Dragons. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
“Josh will bring quality and experience to our backline next year and to sign the current Origin and Australian Test centre is major coup for the club and for our future,” Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.

“We have a number of exciting young backs coming through our grades and Josh’s experience will be invaluable in helping with their continued development.

“He is looking forward to being part of the development of players such as Val Holmes and as to where he might play for next year, quite simply he is the current Test right centre and who can also play fullback which is a bonus for our club.’’

The Dragons are likely to look to rising stars Matt Dufty and Jai Field as replacement options for Dugan. However, South Sydney’s Alex Johnston, who remains uncontracted for 2018, could emerge as a target.

Dugan has chosen to waiver the 10-day cooling off period, informing McGregor of his decision on Saturday.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s/news-story/6d778c703bd6a2b34494efa449ac7c22

Makes sense. He lives in the Shire.

Well put & pretty much sums up the way I see it. I will add I think we actually withdrew any offer in the end forcing Duges to sign with the Sharks , hence waiving the cooling off period for fear the Sharks would give him a 'take it or leave it' ultimatum. Anyway, a shame he is leaving but better players have left clubs before and I can't recall any of them collapsing. We will move on.

To be blunt he has no chance in media, Take the $$$ from the Sharks,