DRAGONS teammates have rallied around under-fire representative star Josh Dugan, defending his professionalism, after it was revealed he spent an afternoon at the pub in the days before last week’s State of Origin decider.
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NSW Rugby League boss Dave Trodden announced an investigation into the circumstances which led to Dugan and Blake Ferguson drinking at the Lennox Point Hotel on a day off from training, an hour from the Origin camp at Kingscliff.
On radio, broadcaster Ray Hadley accused NSW officials of hiding the pair from the media attention because of their hungover state as part of an elaborate cover-up.
Dugan and Ferguson were involved in the infamous rooftop Bacardi Breezer drinking session while playing for the Raiders in 2013.
But since joining the Dragons, Dugan has become a leader at the club, playing for Australia and becoming a regular part of the NSW line-up.
In the wake of NSW’s 22-6 capitulation to Queensland, their 11th series loss to the Maroons in 12 years, NSW shadow player Jack de Belin defended the Blues culture.
“It was a great camp,” he said.
“When we stayed in Kingscliffe, it was an unreal spot.
“We had a team room and the boys came together.
“It is disappointing you see when (people say) there are culture issues with the Blues. When I was there it didn’t feel like that at all.”
Second-rower Tariq Sims, who has played six games for NSW Country and five times for Fiji, backed Dugan.
“I’m not going to say too much, whatever is going to come of this will come of it,” he said. “I understand NSW are going to investigate it.
“As a teammate of Joshua’s, I’m supporting him fully, if he ever needs me, I’m always there.”
When asked of the Dragons’ culture, as they cling to finals hopes after five losses in their past eight games, Sims said the philosophy was simple. “It’s pretty simple really, it’s pretty much a no dickheads policy,” he said.
On radio on Tuesday, former NSW captain Paul Gallen criticised their actions.
Dugan will join Gallen at the Sharks next year, after signing a four-year deal after a prolonged stand-off with St George Illawarra.
"After a game, after a hard week of training, you go out and have a win, you've got a long, seven-day turn-around, I'm happy to have a drink," Gallen told Sky Sports Radio.
"But when you're preparing for a game of footy ... I just don't do it.”
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
