Plane and bus drama has Mary hitting roof

PAUL McGregor had no choice but to dump Josh Dugan after revelations the St George Illawarra star missed the plane home from Brisbane the previous week.

McGregor has come under fire from some sections for his tough stance on Sunday ahead of a crucial game against Penrith that could have denied the Dragons a shot at playing finals football.

But McGregor made the decision after consultation with the senior playing group following an incident in Brisbane the previous week.

It can be revealed that Dugan did not return home with the rest of the squad following the loss to the Broncos in Round 24.

Dugan was then a no-show when the Dragons’ bus was due to leave Sutherland on Sunday.

The Dragons’ bus was due to leave at 1pm. The club attempted to contact Dugan but ultimately had to decide to go to the game without him.

McGregor spoke to his senior players who agreed that Dugan had to pay the price and be stood down for the match against the Panthers.

It meant that they arrived at Penrith’s Pepper Stadium later than scheduled and were basically forced to play with 16 men.

cGregor will have to make a decision today as to whether he brings Dugan back for Sunday’s final round game against Canterbury.

In Dugan’s absence Kurt Mann was forced to switch to right centre with Josh McCrone taking Mann’s spot at halfback.

The Dragons will again be fighting for their season when they take on the Bulldogs.

A win over the Bulldogs will all but guarantee the Dragons a top-eight finish.

If NSW Origin centre Dugan is overlooked for the final game he might have played his last match for the Dragons given he is joining Cronulla next year.