Dragons’ Dugan hit by mystery illness

Josh Dugan struggled with a mystery illness before, during and after St George Illawarra’s rudderless defeat to Manly, but the NSW star is expected to be fit for State of Origin III.

Dugan put in one of his lesser performance of the NRL season in the Dragons’ 36-6 loss to Manly on Monday night at Brookvale Oval as the joint venture’s finals hopes were hit hard.

However Dugan revealed on Tuesday he had been struggling with a stomach bug in the lead-up to the round 17 fixture and was still battling its effects during the game.

“I was actually pretty crook during the day and I don’t know if anyone saw or not but I spewed about four times on the field as well,” Dugan said.

“I am a little bit run down today but I will be right.

“I don’t know what it was just a bug I think. I was spewing all day yesterday and into the game as well, it was probably just one of those 24 hour things.”

Dugan was more upset about the lacklustre loss to the Sea Eagles.

“I am a bit sore, but I think if you don’t pull up sore this time of year you are not playing the right game,” he said.

“It was disappointing from us last night, definitely not up to the standard we have set ourselves over the last six weeks.

“It is very disappointing losing going into the bye because we knew how important that win last night could have been.

“It is not easy for me to come in here (into camp) and forget about it. It isn’t great but we have a job to do here.”

After missing the first two Origin matches due to an elbow injury, Dugan was happy to return to the Blues’ camp in Coffs Harbour.

“It was disappointing and devastating to be at home watching but I am just glad to be back,” he said.

“I have had two games back. The elbow is feeling fine and hopefully I have got a bit of match fitness going into Wednesday.”

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