Dugan bus-ted for terrible discipline
HE threw his team under the bus by missing the bus.
St George Illawarra centre Josh Dugan was sensationally dropped just hours before kick-off against Penrith yesterday at Pepper Stadium by missing the team bus.
He claimed it was a time mix-up. A furious Dragons coach Paul McGregor upheld his team’s standards by dumping Dugan.
And McGregor refused to guarantee Dugan would return for this Sunday’s important game against Canterbury at ANZ Stadium.
Axing Dugan was a massive call given the Dragons had to beat Penrith yesterday to remain in semi-final contention.
And despite the late positional changes due to the Dugan drama – McGregor shifted halfback Kurt Mann from halfback to centre while Josh McCrone starting at halfback – Saints recorded a memorable 16-14 win.
The Dragons team bus travelled through the Shire yesterday where it was supposed to meet Dugan.
Dugan wasn’t at the designated stop and was immediately dumped by McGregor.
A shattered Dugan then drove directly to Pepper Stadium where he apologised to teammates.
Dugan was in the Dragons dressing room at full-time but was not talking to the media.
“He missed the bus. Discipline is important to our footy team and on game day especially,” McGregor said.
“He didn’t arrive on time after what we spoke about what was needed only recently. It doesn’t matter that it’s Round 25 and the season is on the line.
“If you’re trying to drive standards and discipline, it doesn’t matter what round it is and what’s on offer.
“(It’s) what our club needed to make a statement, whether it be Josh or any other player.”
McGregor said Dugan accepted the punishment.
“He was fine. He was cheering hard in the shed. It was my call,” he said.
Asked would Dugan be back next week, McGregor said: “Next week is next week. Let’s worry about celebrating tonight.”
Dugan had already secured enough headlines over the past few days with his drinking binge alongside teammate Blake Ferguson a reason why NSW coach Laurie Daley was sacked. If overlooked for the Bulldogs match, Dugan may have played his final match for St George Illawarra.
McGregor didn’t consult senior players about his decision but he had their support.
“We’ve got standards within our playing group and if you don’t live up to expectations, those are the calls you’ve got to make,” said Saints skipper Gareth Widdop.
“We fully support the decision. You’ve got to live up to standards.
“We’re professional athletes and you’ve got to do the right thing.
“It could have disturbed us but I thought we moved on pretty well from it.”