The Dragons were one of three clubs, including Gold Coast and Newcastle, fined a six figure sum for breach of the protocols in round three, with the amount eventually reduced to $50,000 on appeal.

It was the match-day handling of Dugan in the Dragons’ round three victory over Cronulla that caught the NRL’s attention and the club were taking no chances on Tuesday, dragging their star fullback from the field for an HIA with the game well in the balance. 

“I actually didn’t know he had to come off at the time,” coach Paul McGregor said.

“I got the call from downstairs that the doctor had had a look [on the monitor] and he needed to leave the field so he came off. 

“It was a tough time of the game to, but rules are rules and as long as everyone plays by them that’s the way it is.”