A fitter Josh Dugan leads Canberra's finals charge

RAIDERS superstar Josh Dugan says his horror run with injuries had proven a "wake-up call".

RAIDERS superstar Josh Dugan says his horror run with injuries had proven a "wake-up call" - and he quickly overhauled his training regime to ensure he remained on the paddock.

If Canberra are any hope of making the finals, they will need Dugan fighting fit.

The gun No.1 has made a real difference in his three games back from an ankle injury, including three tries and 22 tackle busts. Dugan will only strip fitter for Sunday's must-win trip to Penrith.

It was only after his latest ankle injury, which came after a six-week shoulder injury - not to mention calf and ankle injuries at different stages last year - that Dugan realised he needed a more professional approach to his preparation.

"I've had a run of bad luck the past two years with injuries I couldn't really have helped," Dugan said.

"Simple things like getting caught in a tackle, landing on my elbow and then my shoulder popping out. It was things like that. It takes a run of injuries to wake you up.

"Since I've had injuries, I'm always in the gym doing extras and trying to stay on the park. It's made me more professional in a way. I want to play the next four games and then maybe play September footy.

"That's the goal. I don't think any team looks at not playing in September.

"If we get another win (on Sunday), there's no saying what we can do. We've got the side to definitely make the eight, it's just a matter of putting it together and having that consistency.

"That's what we have lacked this year. We'll win by 30, then we'll switch off (the following week) and get beat by 30. I think we get ahead of ourselves. We need to stay focused and take that same mentality into next week like we had on the weekend (against Brisbane)."

Dugan failed to find touch with a penalty kick, which led to a Broncos try during Canberra's 28-12 triumph. He immediately made up for it, scoring an individual try, then grubbering for himself to bag a double in the final seconds.

At 22, Dugan is seen as one of the senior players at Canberra, a role he's happy with.

While injuries cost him a Blues jumper this season, he said he had given little thought to a Kangaroo tour at season's end, preferring to focus on the final months for the Raiders. Possible wins against Penrith and the Roosters will have them in the mix.

CANBERRA yesterday confirmed the signing of hard-hitting Newcastle forward Joel Edwards to a three-year deal.