Cronulla Sharks to take Josh Dugan on PNG trial against Bulldogs, despite his injury
Josh Dugan isn’t fit enough to play but Cronulla are still taking the former Test star to Papua New Guinea this weekend.
Sharks
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sharks. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Josh Dugan will travel to PNG for the Sharks trial match against Canterbury this weekend – but he won’t be playing.
Despite being unable to fully train with a knee complaint, Dugan has been included in Cronulla’s touring party to attend community events and interact with locals.
“Josh is a marquee player, not just at the Sharks but throughout the NRL and his presence will have a huge impact on the locals we come into contact with in PNG,” Sharks General Manager of Football Phil Moss said.
“It is an important role for him to play, he is an extremely popular figure amongst the locals and the PNG rugby league fraternity and having him attend some of the community events and initiatives we have planned will be well received,” Moss continued.
LIVE stream Indigenous All-Stars v Maori Kiwis in the 2020 Harvey Norman NRL All Stars match on KAYO. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Dugan’s future at the Sharks has been the subject of much scrutiny with the Cronulla club desperate to find the root of what Dugan claims is a knee injury that is hindering his ability to train.
He took to social media last week to declare he’s willing to “work” his backside off to return to the playing field.
Seemingly, that includes the former Test star meeting and greeting the footy-mad locals in PNG.
“We are sending a relatively young squad, so having Josh up there as a high-profile player we feel will be important for our brand and add to the experience during our time in PNG,” Moss added.