http://m.dailytelegraph.com.au/spor...act-with-dragons/story-e6frexnr-1226636326965
THE NRL has demanded Josh Dugan hand over his medical records before registering his contract with St George Illawarra.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert is the reason behind a delay in Dugan's five-month deal being finalised.St George Illawarra had initially hoped to have the former NSW Origin fullback on deck this week, with a possible view to him returning for Sunday's clash against the Gold Coast at Skilled Park.
But that now appears a pipe dream thanks to Schubert, who asked Dugan's management for records of his counselling sessions late last week.
Because the records are privileged under doctor-patient confidentiality, Dugan does not have to comply.
But any decision to withhold the reports would appear to prolong his chances of a comeback because Schubert enjoys unfettered discretion over the registration of contracts. The NRL also reserves the right to determine whether players are "fit and proper" to participate in its competition.
"The welfare of the player is a key consideration in any such application and the salary cap auditor is required to make any inquiry that may be relevant in determining the likelihood of the player following the NRL rules in the future," an NRL spokesman said.
"Josh has worked co-operatively with the NRL welfare and education team throughout the process. All privacy provisions are respected."
Dugan met with NRL welfare boss Paul Heptonstall last month, where counselling with depression experts was organised.
Since being sacked by the Raiders for repeated indiscretions, he's been mixing weekly sessions in Sydney with labouring work in Canberra and met Dragons officials last Wednesday to finalise negotiations for a contract until the end of this season.
