The reigning NSW player of the year has not been coy about his desire to make switch from fullback to centre this season with new recruit Kurt Mann the player most likely to fill his shoes at the back.

Daley has all but assured Dugan a spot in his side for Game I but, like club coach Paul McGregor, can’t be sure where that will be.

Dugan said he hasn’t spoken to Daley about the move and won’t at least until the season is under way.

‘‘I haven’t really spoken to him and at this time of the year it’s the last thing on my mind,’’ Dugan said.

‘‘We did our review just before Christmas but my job is here first and foremost.

‘‘It’s about getting those combinations wherever I play.

‘‘The rep stuff comes after the club stuff so for me I’m worried about being in the moment here and doing what I have to here.

‘‘I’ve been training at fullback and at centre and Kurt’s been doing the same.

‘‘We’ve got to wait for the trials and see how each of us go in each position

‘‘I’ve obviously expressed interest in playing in the centres but at the same time I’ll do whatever’s best for the team, if that’s me at the back I’m happy to be there.’’

What does appear certain is that Daley will be looking for a new No.6 with Mitchell Pearce’s immediate playing future far from certain.

Daley took a hard line on Pearce when he was evicted from a King Cross nightclub by police in 2014 and even if he does make it back onto the field for the Roosters it’s unlikely Daley would soften his stance on player behaviour and allow him back into the fold.

Dugan has spent numerous Origin camps alongside Pearce and hoped the Roosters captain is given the time and space to address his personal issues.

‘‘He’s hurting and everyone can see that,’’ Dugan said.

‘‘He’s made a few mistakes that are a bit more publicised than most because of who he is and he’s just got to go back do everything he can to get himself right as a person.

‘‘I’m not too sure of the details as to what’s going on in his head at the moment.

‘‘Even though he’s stuffed up you have to stand by him and look after him. You can’t let him be one of those players who goes off the rails and ends up doing something really bad.

‘‘There’s definitely a lot of people throwing stones when they probably shouldn’t be.

‘‘I’ll stand by him he’s definitely not a bad person. Everything I’ve had to do with him he’s one of the best blokes you’ll ever meet.

‘‘He’s hurting, he’s expressed that and he’s just got to do everything he can to get himself right.’’