Reformed bad boy completes a remarkable rise back to the top of the game.
New South Wales Blue coach Laurie Daley has named Josh Dugan at fullback for the crucial second game in the State of Origin series against Queensland on Wednesday week.
It completes a remarkable rise back to the top of the game after Dugan was without a club as little as a month ago, before being thrown a lifeline by the St George Illawarra Dragons.
Dugan has repaid the club for saving his NRL career from the scrapheap, after several high-profile off-field incidents, with stunning form in the Red V.
“He’s a wonderful player Doogs,” Daley said.
“I’ve coached him a couple of times and he’s a good, very talented kid.
“He’s obviously had some issues at the start of the very start of the year but he’s been one of the Dragons’ best, so that gives us great confidence.”
The door opened for Dugan’s return occurred when Parramatta Eels star Jarryd Hayne limped off with a hamstring tear in his first club game after Origin One.
“He’s a wonderful player Doogs,” Daley said.
“I’ve coached him a couple of times.
“He’s a good kid. A very talented kid.
“He obviously had some issues at the very start of the year but … he’s consistently been (the Dragons’) best.
“That gives us great confidence.”
Daley confirmed Dugan was under an injury cloud, but said he was very confident of lining up for the potentially series-deciding clash.
Wests Tigers youngster Aaron Woods will make his Origin debut after being thrust into the front-row in place of the suspended James Tamou.
“The injury to Tim Grant probably came at the wrong time for him,” Daley added.
NSW Blues side – State of Origin Two
1. Josh Dugan
2. Brett Morris
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Blake Ferguson
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Paul Gallen (c)
9. Robbie Farah
10. Aaron Woods
11. Ryan Hoffman
12. Luke Lewis
13. Greg Bird
Interchange
14. Andrew Fifta
15. Trent Merrin
16. Josh Reynolds
17. Anthony Watmough
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