Josh Dugan at Raiders training early this month. Picture: COLLEEN PETCH
Josh Dugan’s manager Paul Sutton says the troubled fullback is preparing for the possibility of an NRL suspension but he doesn’t believe it will ward potential suitors away from his client.
Canberra submitted their report into Dugan’s behaviour to the NRL yesterday as Sutton confirmed a number of clubs had made inquiries about Dugan but he had received no firm offers.
St George Illawarra and Brisbane have already been linked to the former NSW State of Origin custodian.
The Mercury understands the Dragons’ board voted heavily in favour of putting an official offer to Dugan, but that a decision on whether they do or not had not been made.
‘‘Canberra’s putting together the information they need to give the NRL, which apparently is standard procedure, and then we’ll go from there,’’ Sutton said.
‘‘If there is a reason there that they need to stand him down, I guess they make that decision but until that point comes I’ve got nothing.’’
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Canberra were keen to avoid a situation where Dugan will run on in a Dragons side against them at Canberra Stadium on Sunday night, only 11 days after he was sacked by the club.
Whether Dugan will serve a suspension is up to the NRL. Todd Carney had to sit out the 2009 season when cut by the Raiders before joining Sydney Roosters.
‘‘I don’t know if that’ll worry the clubs too much – if he’s going to be out for a long time it might make a difference,’’ Sutton said.
‘‘There are clubs that are interested. Even if he did have a contract all signed it’s going to sit there until they sort themselves out at the NRL.
‘‘People have made inquiries but inquiries don’t mean much. Until someone starts making some offers...
‘‘No one has made an offer at this stage.’’
Meanwhile, off-contract Canterbury playmaker Josh Reynolds says he is keen to sort out his future as soon as possible.
The NSW Origin prospect said he’s keen to stay with the Bulldogs amid talk of a four-year deal worth $1.9million.
‘‘I’m happy for my manager to take care of that and I’m happy with where it is at,’’ Reynolds said.