Josh Dugan has gone from Canberra ratbag to St George Illawarra leader in the space of 12 months, but doesn’t yet see himself as a State of Origin certainty.
The star fullback could have been accused of taking things for granted in the past, but he is determined to earn everything he is given this NRL season.
Dugan has been included in the Dragons’ leadership group for their upcoming campaign, despite being sacked by the Raiders part-way through last year.
Jarryd Hayne’s form for Australia at centre at the World Cup and Dugan’s outstanding finish to last season with a new club suggest the Dragons ace is the firm front-runner for NSW duties in a couple of months time.
His talent is obvious, and Blues coach Laurie Daley’s belief in him well known, but Dugan is refusing to think the NSW No.1 jersey is his to lose.
“I don’t think I’ve hit that benchmark yet where I can say I’m pretty confident I’ll get picked,” Dugan said.
“I want to earn my spot.”
Dugan’s always seen himself as a go-to-man on the field, but the 23-year-old readily admits he was anything but a role model this time last year when Raiders players no longer wanted him in their dressing room and he was out partying with Blake Ferguson before an Origin mach.
It seems the events of last season have served as the wake-up call Dugan needed, but like his Origin ambitions, he’s eager to prove his newfound maturity with actions rather than words.
“I’ve picked up and become more mature off the field, that’s how (leadership group) has come about.
“It’s about being a better person on and off the field and leading by example off the field – which I wasn’t so good at the last few years.
“I was still in that young-minded stage. It is tough coming through at 18 and having to grow up real quick.
“It took me longer than it probably should have but I am there now hopefully. Starting to do the right things again.
“This year I want to make it a goal of mine to become a better person and more mature.”