Kangaroos star Josh Dugan expects to be targeted by New Zealand in Four Nations final

JOSH DUGAN is a seasoned professional but his experience in the centres is limited and he expects New Zealand to give him a thorough working over.

Kangaroos centre Josh Dugan expects plenty of Kiwi traffic to head his way in the Four Nations final. Picture: Getty Images

JOSH Dugan knows what is headed his way. Kiwis and plenty of them.

The Dragons star anticipates New Zealand will try to capitalise on his inexperience at centre.

“There is no secret to their game plan,” Dugan said.

“I made about 30 tackles in the Perth Test. I was knackered. I had a hip pointer (injury) as well so I was struggling to walk for a couple of days. My shoulders are a bit weathered now because of it. I’m used to that load.”

Having spent the bulk of his NRL career at fullback, the defensive adjustment continues for Dugan. He made just nine tackles for St George Illawarra in their final regular season game this year, but could make triple that amount when Australia play New Zealand in the Four Nations final at Anfield on Monday morning (AEDT).

Dugan has played New Zealand twice this year, but was rested for Justin O’Neill when Australia last played the Kiwis in the Four Nations.

“The more I turn them away with our right edge, they’ll shy away from it,” Dugan said.

Kangaroos centre Josh Dugan expects plenty of Kiwi traffic to head his way in the Four Nations final.

“Justin played really well (against the Kiwis) so I was a little bit nervous about my spot in the team but I felt like I played well against England and I don’t think I did too much wrong in the games I played. I was quietly confident I would retain my place for the final. I felt like I’ve got better every game.”

While Dugan has cemented himself as a representative centre, he was told by club coach Paul McGregor that he would continue in the No. 1 jersey for the Dragons. It looms as a big year for Dugan, who is off contract at season’s end.

“I got back to enjoying fullback again,” Dugan said.

“I felt like I was playing good footy. I love the Dragons. I love the club and the fans. It’s my home. It has been for the last four years and I’m enjoying my time there and the culture of the club.”

Josh Dugan scores a try against England.

As Dugan prepares to play his first international final, it was a freak training collision which ended the tournament for Kangaroos teammate Josh Mansour which rattled him.

He sent his own shockwaves through training this week when he slid into a fence during a training run as he attempted to ground a kicked ball.

“I hit it pretty hard,” he said.

“My elbow and thumb were pretty sore. I started sliding from the try line and ended up in the fence. I didn’t think I’d slide that far. Luckily I didn’t come off too seriously (injured).

“I was shattered (for Mansour). I was on the verge of tears. He is a great bloke and has become one of my good mates through Origin and the Aussie team. I was very disappointed and heartbroken for him. We collided. And that’s footy I guess.

“It was probably a little selfish of me to take away from (Mansour’s injury) but that’s the sort of person I am, I care a lot about my teammates. Once I found out how good of spirits he was in, it made it easier for me to accept the fact it’s happened.”

Originally published as Kangaroos star Josh Dugan expects to be targeted by New Zealand in Four Nations final