The Canberra Raiders playing group had had enough of Josh Dugan's (C) antics. Picture: Sam Ruttyn Source: The Daily Telegraph
A FEW people have asked me this week if I would want Josh Dugan on my team?
Right now, I would have to say no.
As a former Canberra player and as the NSW coach, what has gone on down at the Raiders this week disappoints me greatly.
I wouldn't say it's a situation Josh can't work his way back from. Who knows, he could pick up a new club next week and fight his way right back into NSW Origin selection this year if he changes his attitude.
Robbie Farah: Raiders better off without Dugan
But to do that he is going to have to change a few things about the way he lives his life.
I have had a bit to do with Josh over the years and I have always found him to be a good guy with a stack of ability - but we all know ability only gets you so far in this game.
I initially wanted to write my column this week about player welfare because I was concerned we weren't doing enough to help these young blokes through troubled times in a changing world.
I was thinking about some of the issues players have been dealing with this season and it had me worried.
A week after we found out about Ben Barba, I read that another former NRL player, Brett Seymour, allegedly attempted suicide in England after flipping his car in a collision with two parked cars.
Then Brett's release from hospital followed with the funeral of promising young Wests Tigers forward Mosese Fotuaika, who took his own life after suffering a season ending pectoral injury. Then on Tuesday I heard about the message Josh posted on Twitter. I have to admit I was concerned for Josh's safety.
How else could you interpret the apology he made after missing Canberra's Monday morning recovery session because he decided to stay at home and get drunk on his rooftop?
I thought Josh's message had an underlying meaning: "I apologise to my teammates and the fans but this is personal and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible for me to move forward."
I thought it was a cry for help. Then I made a couple of phone calls to some old mates and got the real story.
Which is, this is not the first time the Raiders have had to discipline Josh for his off-field behaviour but the difference this time is his teammates wanted him gone.
As I understand it, in the past, the players always stuck up for him and begged for one more chance because they know what a talent he is and what a good bloke he can be.
This time, though, they said his time was up.
Make your own conclusions.
Last Sunday even the opposition were taunting him for being "soft" in the loss to Penrith. For a footballer that is about the ultimate insult.
But instead of using it as motivation, Josh went missing and didn't even bother turning up for training on Monday.
Then to rub it in when he posted that ridiculous picture of him and Blake Ferguson on his roof drinking alcohol with the words captioned: "Make your own luck! Whatever will be will be!"
Josh Dugan in action for the Raiders on the weekend and (inset) a picture he posted of himself on Instagram. Source: The Daily Telegraph
I'm told when Dave Furner fronted Josh at his home Josh basically tried to pin the blame on Dave for daring to question his attitude and performance against Penrith. Again, let me state, it was his teammates who didn't want him back. It says a lot about the challenge now confronting any club prepared to take him on.
Don't worry, they will jump over themselves to get him, they always do for a talent so special.
But perhaps the greatest compliment you can give a player is that they are the one others love playing with.
Josh was probably the Raiders highest paid player with the most natural talent yet this week the players decided they could no longer carry him.
If there is someone holding you back, regardless of their talent, you can't carry them.
I hope this helps Josh find the answers he is searching for.
This week was an important step for Canberra as a club.
Look around the NRL and the best clubs, the most successful clubs, are the ones with strong leadership within the playing group. Think Melbourne. Think Manly.
At Canberra, the players know they can no longer put up with Josh's excuses.
What Josh did this week also shows me he is not at all interested in playing Origin this year. Talent-wise he is good enough, behaviour-wise you couldn't even consider him at this point. My hope is he gets himself together and starts taking responsibility for his own actions. If he does, he will be a valuable asset to a club and potentially NSW.
But he needs to take ownership first.
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