Josh Dugan dropped: Dragons star axed for disciplinary reasons

PAUL McGregor has refused to guarantee Josh Dugan will return for the Dragons’ crunch clash with Canterbury following his sensational axing.

Josh Dugan was dropped for the Dragons’ clash with the Panthers.

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 at Pepper Stadium after missing the team bus. He claimed it was a time mix-up.

But 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 on Sunday 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 started at halfback — the Dragons recorded a memorable 16-14 win.

SAINTS ALIVE: Dragons down Panthers to maintain finals charge

NRL CASUALTY WARD: All the injuries, suspensions after Round 25

Josh Dugan was dropped for the Dragons’ clash with the Panthers.

The Dragons’ team bus travelled through the shire on Sunday, 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.

He was in the Dragons dressing room at full-time but was not talking to the media.

“He missed the bus,” McGregor said.

“Discipline is important to our footy team and on game day especially.

“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.”

The Dragons overcame Josh Dugan’s absence to edge the Panthers.

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.”