ARE Russell Packer and Josh Dugan headed for the exit at St George Illawarra?
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Coach Paul McGregor, his own future still in doubt, admits it’s entirely possible, as the salary cap heat is turned up after the Dragons re-signed Gareth Widdop last week.
With injured Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt already heading to Wollongong next year on a $6 million, six-year deal, NRL rivals are now eyeing off Dugan and Packer.
Packer has been mentioned as a potential target of Ivan Cleary’s Wests Tigers rebuild, while Dugan is likely to be courted by the Roosters if the James Tedesco deal falls through.
“It’s difficult, because it’s a lot more than just the two men,” McGregor said.
“They’re good players, of course I want to see them in my side, if I’m coaching in 2018. They’re part of our leadership group and very much a part of the club, it’s a difficult situation.
“The landscape is over multiple years, it’s more than just one year.”
The Dragons remain hopeful Packer could stay, even if they cannot match other offers, given the role the club has played in his return to the NRL.
Packer was jailed for an assault in 2014 and had to wait until last year to make his comeback to the NRL, after half-a-season in the NSW Premiership competition.
The Kiwi international also began a commerce degree at University of Wollongong in 2015 and has been accepted into a post-graduate business program. But turning 28 this year, a three or four-year contract could be Packer’s last big NRL pay day.
The stand-off between Dugan, who wants to play fullback next year, and the Dragons, who offered him a contract with a view to a switch to the centres, continues.
If Tedesco’s expected move to the Roosters is confirmed, it could open the door to offers from other cashed-up rivals.
McGregor dismissed any suggestion doubt over his own future could have a disruptive effect on the Dragons bid for finals action this year.
“Hopefully it’s just a matter of time and if it doesn’t work out down here, then we’ll see where that takes me next,” he said.
“I’m really comfortably at the moment, because I can see how much the players are putting into their work.
“(I’m) seeing the environment they’re creating and seeing the football they’re playing and that’s most pleasing thing. It’s not about anyone or me personally, it’s about a bunch of men and the club heading in the right direction.”