Gently does it for Dugan

NSW centre Josh Dugan will be forced to sit out all contact drills until a day before Game One as he recovers from a fractured cheekbone suffered in the Anzac Test last month.

The revelation will have a major impact on the Blues’ preparations ahead of Wednesday week’s game at Suncorp Stadium.

Under the direction of the Dragons’ medical staff, Dugan must be removed from all Blues contact sessions upon entering camp in Kingscliff.

Blues coach Laurie Daley has been advised of the Dragons’ directive and is aware of the risk related to Dugan but is willing to back the proven game-breaker.

Daley failed to name a shadow centre for Dugan but did select Matt Moylan on an extended bench.