SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Dugan's No.1 move could be fleeting

Josh Dugan has indicated his return to the Dragons' fullback role has only come about due to injury to Kurt Mann and might only last one game.

St George Illawarra centre Josh Dugan
Josh Dugan has indicated his return to the St George Illawarra fullback role may last just one week. (AAP)

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Josh Dugan's return to the St George Illawarra fullback role could last just one week.

The NSW No.1 will be reacquainted with the Dragons' custodian role in Sunday's round-three NRL clash against South Sydney at the SCG.

However Dugan, who is confident of overcoming a hamstring injury in time, concedes his move back to fullback has only come about due to an injury to Kurt Mann.

"Mary (coach Paul McGregor) wanted me to move back to fullback but that was because of Kurt's ankle," Dugan said on Thursday.

"I will play wherever is best for the team and with Kurt out the best place for me is fullback.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"I am comfortable there, I know my role there and I am looking forward to going back there."

Dugan had been moved into the frontline by McGregor for the Dragons' season-opening losses to Melbourne and Cronulla.

Mann has struggled at fullback and McGregor admitted after the thumping by the Sharks on Sunday he was second guessing taking Dugan out of the No.1 jersey.

Dugan has previously welcomed the switch to centre and indicated he could return there.

"I have trained at centre all of the off season so we will just have to see how he goes," he said.

Dugan defended Mann's poor form.

"Our backline has been null and void over the last two weeks because of our completion rate," he said.

Dugan expected his hamstring to recover in time to play the undefeated Rabbitohs.

"It is only a little strain," he said.

"They were concerned I could do more damage if I stayed out there.

"I will have a fitness test today and train and will be right to play."


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world