Shark braced for Dragons barrage
Star recruit expected to spill beans
CRONULLA star Josh Dugan has opened up ahead of tonight’s big southern Sydney derby, claiming he won’t be unsettled by any sledging by Dragons players or fans.
And Dugan revealed he wouldn’t swap his side’s forward pack for any in the NRL competition.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan yesterday revealed he would rotate Dugan and Val Holmes at fullback during this evening’s match at Shark Park.
Dugan is expecting some onfield fireworks from former Saints team-mates and some heckling from ardent Dragons fans – but he isn’t concerned.
“Saints will probably put some pressure on me out there but I am expecting that. They may try and unsettle me,” Dugan said.
“I just have to play my own game and not let any outside noise get in the way. I won’t be distracted or lose focus.
“Their fans might also throw a few barbs at me but that’s all right. I have the back of my teammates and all the Sharks fans who will be at the game.
“The Dragons have a big and mobile forward pack with some firepower but I wouldn’t swap our forwards for any in the competition. Not too many teams, if any, will get on top of our pack this year.”
St George Illawarra fans took to social media yesterday to reveal plans to jeer Dugan each time he touched the ball.
“It’s always exciting playing against your old side,” Dugan said. “I enjoyed my time at St George Illawarra but I am now a Cronulla Shark. I’m happy and settled.
“It should be a big game. I know from my time at the Dragons that local derby matches are always special. This will be different for me given I’m with a different club now.
“We lost in round one and know we have to step up another gear against Saints, who I thought were really strong against Brisbane.”
Dragons coach Paul McGregor knows Dugan will spill the secrets about his former club.
“Of course, you know his (Dugan’s) habits,” McGregor said. “No doubt about that. But you’ve got to stop them and stop what he’s good at and then try and expose what he’s not so good at.
“You do know a lot more knowledge about an individual when you’ve had him for a number of years when you’re head coach.”