‘I’ve started missing the game’: Former NRL bad boy finds surprise new home

Six months after initially announcing his retirement from rugby league, Josh Dugan is lacing up the boots after finding a new home.

Josh Dugan has signed for regional NSW outfit Orange United. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

After announcing his retirement from rugby league in early September last year, Josh Dugan is back in the game.

The 12-time Australia representative has signed with regional New South Wales outfit Orange United for 2022.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Dugan’s retirement announcement came after his contract was terminated by Cronulla after repeated breaches of the NRL’s Covid policies.

The 31-year-old from Garran, who has two NSW Country caps to his name, is hoping to inspire and lead a new generation of regional stars as he gears up for a season with the Woodbridge Cup outfit.

“For me personally, it’s about getting back to community and helping out the Indigenous boys,” Dugan told The Western Advocate.

“I just got my diploma in counselling, so if I can be some sort of mentor or someone these guys can lean on then I’m all for it.

Josh Dugan has signed with regional NSW side Orange United for the 2022 season. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Dugan revealed that he had his heart set on spending a year away from footy before weighing up whether to get back into it, but the pull to get back to doing what he does best was too strong.

“I was actually planning on taking 12 months off before I considered any type of footy, but the convo struck up and one thing led to another,” Dugan said.

“I’ve started missing the game and I’m keen to get back into it and have a bit of fun.

“I will take games seriously, but it’s not the high pressure situation that first grade was, day in and day out.

“I’m looking forward to being able to play footy again.”

Dugan carved out an NRL career spanning over 200 games while typically playing in the centres, although he had spells playing at fullback and on the wing at various moments.

At Orange United, the former NSW Blues star is keen to get a certain number on his jersey again but is happy to be inserted wherever he is needed once the season is underway.

“I’d love to have the one back on the back, but I’ll play anywhere,” Dugan said.

“I’ll get a couple of training sessions in before the tens and the season starts end of April.”

Originally published as ‘I’ve started missing the game’: Former NRL bad boy finds surprise new home