![An open letter to Dragons star Josh Dugan An open letter to Dragons star Josh Dugan](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/v7aL3ypAbpidARtySf3wcd/bdeecbde-0ca9-4473-aafa-339f8538e972.jpg/r0_0_4860_3240_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Dear Josh,
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Over the years footballers have been known to do some dumb things.
You’ve done your share.
Your behaviour during the State of Origin series where you were on the turps in the lead-up to a crucial clash was heavily under the spotlight again last week after NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley paid the price with his head.
Given those events you would have thought you’d be ensuring every “I” was dotted and every “T” was crossed in the lead-up to the Dragons’ key clash with Penrith on Sunday. Putting every foot right.
No. Two days out from the game you were complaining on social media about missing out from going to a college gridiron game. Coincidence? Maybe.
Then, you are so late for the team bus to the Penrith game you actually missed it.
You have to drive to the game under your own steam and when you get there the Dragons leaders inform you that they have made the decision to leave you out of the game as a penalty.
Good call we think.
We know you are leaving the club next season and we take your team-mates on face value when they say your heart is still with the Dragons ahead of a must-win game on Sunday.
Jason Nightingale certainly went into bat for you.
"I have all the trust that his heart is still with us. I know that for a fact,” Nightingale said.
“I spent a lot of time with him. He'll be back and give it his all. Just during the week he was saying to myself and Tyson [Frizell] that it would be premature for him to end. His heart is still definitely here at the Dragons."
As much you might take it for granted Josh you have a gift.
Yet the world is littered with incredible athletes who “could have, should have, would have”.
Don’t be another one to fall off the stage.
Work out what you stand for and don’t take for granted those people who scrimp and save each week to come and see you play.
The Dragons are clinging to a season which once held so much promise.
You will be gifted another opportunity it seems.
Don’t cock this one up too.
Yours truly, Ed.