Dragons confident Dugan fit for Raiders

JOSH Dugan is expected to overcome a groin complaint, suffered in the State of Origin decider, to face former club Canberra in tonight’s NRL clash.

Dugan pulled up sore after NSW’s series loss, but headed to Canberra yesterday to join the team for treatment and was set to be declared fit to play. The Dragons have already ruled out Blues Origin lock Tyson Frizell due to an ongoing rib injury, but expect to welcome back prop Paul Vaughan from a calf tear suffered last month.

Vaughan has passed all medical checks this week and coach Paul McGregor expects him to play in the crucial clash.

“He surprised me, actually,” McGregor said.

“He’s a quick healer ... we thought he may have been another week; we were working towards this week but more thinking of next week.

“But he’s surprised everyone – he has got through everything.”