Dugan's last-minute try in 2011 for the Raiders has its own place in the hoodoo legend. Picture: GETTY IMAGES
RUGBY LEAGUE
Josh Dugan already has his own chapter in "Raiders hoodoo" history, when he scored a stunning last-gasp try to continue St George Illawarra's misery in Canberra.
Now the 22-year-old's situation is reflective of a new focus on the old curse cliche, as Dave Furner moves on from Dugan and Steve Price hopes to rekindle the Dragons' attacking fire by recruiting the wayward star.
Every season, the Dragons players bristle at reminders of their barren run in the nation's capital stretching back to July 2000.
For 13 years Canberra have found new, almost unbelievable ways to win. But this season Furner is putting the pieces back together, after Dugan's and Blake Ferguson's infamous rooftop drinking session, which led to the NSW fullback being sacked by the club.
The Raiders have denied a split in the playing ranks over their stance.
However, the drama set the stage for a 36-nil capitulation to the Gold Coast on Sunday and Ferguson remains on the outer for his role in the incident.
Adding another dimension to Sunday night's showdown in the national capital is the Dragons' pursuit of Dugan, to help end their attacking woes.
In 2011, Dugan sank a dagger into the hearts of St George Illawarra fans, latching on to a grubber kick with 20 seconds left at Canberra Stadium, to cap a truly amazing Raiders escape, winning 24-19.
Last year, Dugan's replacement Reece Robinson scored a hat-trick in Canberra's 22-18 triumph.
Last weekend, Steve Price's frustrations grew as the Dragons misfired in attack in the loss to Brisbane at WIN Stadium.
They managed just one try, which was scored by prop and former Canberra player Michael Weyman.
Dugan's recruitment is seen as a potential solution. Suddenly the "hoodoo" has the different, more desperate context of two winless teams battling it out to take the heat off their coach, at least for now.
Josh Miller, who played 113 games for the Raiders and nine for the Dragons before retiring last year, reckons the Raiders will feed off the hold they have over the red V.
"I don't believe in it being a hoodoo," Miller said.
"But I do know the Raiders believe it's not over until the last minute.
"From my experience, the Raiders will definitely be up for this one after a tough couple of weeks."
However, Miller - who has opened a personal training business after retiring because of concussion issues - refuses to discount the Dragons' chances and backs Price to end the team's struggles.
"They won't worry about their record down there," he said.
"It's only a matter of time before it starts to come together for them, you can see the signs are there.
"Pricey is a great coach and this could be the week it happens for them."
HOODOO GURUS
The Raiders’ stranglehold on St George Illawarra in Canberra:
2012: Raiders 22-18
2011: Raiders 24-19
2010: Raiders 32-16
2009: Raiders 24-12
2008: Raiders 21-14
2007: Raiders 30-6
2006: Raiders 31-12
2005: Raiders 42-22
2003: Raiders 18-14
2001: Raiders 32-22
2000: Dragons 30-20
1999: Dragons 16-14
