In a week where the Mitchell Pearce saga has again thrown the spotlight on player misbehaviour, Dugan skippering the Dragons at the Nines will be the ultimate validation of the club’s decision to throw him a lifeline two years ago.

Dugan’s social media indiscretions were far less egregious than Pearce’s but were enough to see him sacked by Canberra and have a contract offer from the Broncos ripped off the table.

The Dragons took a punt on the now 25-year-old and have watched him blossom into one of the senior players at the club.

He’s come far enough for coach Paul McGregor to hand him the leadership of a young squad in Auckland.

‘‘It’s definitely a big honour, it’s a great club with a rich history and I actually grew up supporting the Dragons as well so to have that c next to my name even though it’s the Nines is still something I cherish,’’ Dugan said.

‘‘It’s big honour for me and I think I’ve come along leaps and bounds as a player and a person since I came to St George.

‘‘I was given that second chance and when you get that chance you don’t want to let anyone down.

‘‘You don’t take anything for granted after you lose everything.

‘‘Over the last few years I’ve become more of a leader and this put that last little feather in the cap.’’

While it’s a big honour to captain the club Dugan said it won’t change his approach to the game.

‘‘I don’t think too much will change,’’ Dugan said.

‘‘The way I play I’m always talking and I always try to lead by example so I’ll probably just stick to that.

‘‘[McGregor] just said I’m one of the leaders at the club already and I’m one of the most senior players going over to the Nines. That was his reasoning.

‘‘I won’t buy into it too much and overdo it.’’