RUGBY LEAGUE
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Dragons star Josh Dugan has dismissed the need for an urgent overhaul to the NRL schedule, claiming it is up to clubs to manage player workloads to avoid burnout.
Dugan's comments come after the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) presented a report to the NRL calling for an increase in annual leave, weekends off during pre-season and mandatory days off during the NRL season.
Several superstars, including Jonathan Thurston and Greg Inglis — who has been rested from Saturday's Charity Shield clash — have called on the NRL to address the issue while Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has long lamented the toll extended seasons have on the game's stars.
Dugan lined up in the Auckland Nines and will play in the Charity Shield on Saturday before leaving for England next week.
The Dragons tackle Warrington as part of the expanded World Club Challenge — all before a ball is kicked in the NRL season proper.
After being part of the series-winning NSW team that ended Queensland's long streak of Origin dominance this year, Dugan is also front runner to fill the Blues No 1 jersey vacated by Jarryd Hayne.
It spells a long season but Dugan said he has faith in the club to manage him through it.
"Playing Origin for me is almost like playing two games," Dugan said.
"To go from Origin Wednesday to playing again on Saturday is pretty tough but that's the way the schedule is and until that changes it's just going to have to be done.
"As players we can go back-to-back and back up games as long as we're looked after when we come back here. Last year was pretty tough with the two Origins but the club here and Mary looked after myself and Mez [Trent Merrin] pretty well giving us a fair bit of time off. You manage it as best you can knowing you have to train and play again, but if the clubs can manage it well enough, it's not too much of an issue."
Hayne — who is expected to sign an NFL development contract with the Detroit Lions in coming weeks — leaves a considerable hole at fullback after starring in last year's series.
Brett Stewart, Matt Moylan and Will Hopoate will all be in contention and, with coach Laurie Daley stating a preference for incumbents, the jersey appears Dugan's to lose over the opening half of the season.
Asked if reclaiming the jumper he first wore in 2011 was a goal Dugan said: "It is, but at the same time my first goal is to get back into that position [with the Dragons] and play good footy as best I can there and help the team get off to a good start this year."