It's official - Dugan's a Dragon
JOSH Dugan will finally sign a deal with St George Illawarra - but the contract is only for 15 games and involves an ask first, tweet later clause.
The Daily Telegraph has been told the short-term deal will be reviewed after this season but Dugan is expected to officially sign with St George Illawarra either today or tomorrow.
"It will only be for this year. It's try before you buy," said one well-placed source.
If Dugan behaves, then St George Illawarra are likely to offer him a two-year deal.
It is understood Dugan will have to abide by the club's strict policy on social media, meaning Dugan will be unable to tweet unless given approval from the club.
Dugan cost himself a rich contract with Brisbane after an ugly Twitter spat with supporters of Canberra, his former club.
He had earlier got himself dismissed from the Raiders after Twitter evidence of his Pineapple Cruiser bender on his rooftop in the nation's capital - the latest in a long list of off-field indiscretions.
Josh Dugan being thrown a lifeline by St George Illawarra
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Josh Dugan being thrown a lifeline by St George Illawarra
Former Canberra Raiders rebel Josh Dugan is being thrown a lifeline by St George Illawarra.
It has been a busy seven days of contract negotiations for the club as it strengthens its roster for 2014, including:
ANNOUNCING coach Steve Price's new, two-year deal on Anzac Day;
LURING Warrington prop Mike Cooper;
SNARING English playmaker Gareth Widdop from the Storm and Raiders backrower Joel Thompson; and
YESTERDAY'S news that club captain Ben Creagh has agreed to a two-year deal, with the option of a third.
It is likely Dugan will debut for the dragons in the round nine match against Gold Coast at Skilled Park.
Dugan's manager Paul Suttor met with Dragons officials yesterday afternoon.
The contract has yet to be sent to the NRL, but sources claim the NRL should register the deal straight away.
Saints' major off-season buy, fullback Gerard Beale, is out indefinitely with a knee injury with New Zealand winger Jason Nightingale substituting at Dugan's customary position of fullback.
Creagh's re-signing is another boost for the club, keeping the 28-year-old at the Dragons until at least the end of the 2015 season.
"I've been lucky enough to be given another contract which I'm really happy about," Creagh said.
"I'm a local junior having played for the club all my life and I want to finish my career here.
"I am really proud to be the captain of this famous club. I love everything associated with it."
