Dugan to ask for release if he isn't sacked first

[RNA]

CANBERRA and their troublesome fullback Josh Dugan will part company today

The Daily Telegraph understands Dugan will work out some form of a release from the final two years of his Raiders contract.

First though, he could be sacked. Either way, Dugan is certain to have played his final match with the Raiders.

Last night, Brisbane and Penrith emerged as clubs interested in Dugan, a former NSW Origin fullback.

There were also suggestions he may opt for a stint in French rugby union.

The drama comes after Dugan and teammate Blake Ferguson were photographed drinking on the roof of a Canberra home on Tuesday. Police were called over the antics of Dugan, who was supposed to be in rehab.

Raiders players were angry yesterday at the pair's off-field behaviour. Most claimed to be "fed up".

Ferguson is expected to be retained by the club today but will be given a final warning.

Canberra coach David Furner was uanvailable for comment last night.

Some Raiders players have told management they would baulk at re-signing if Dugan remained.

One Raiders source said: "Furnsey has backed Dugan time and again, even to the point where other players expressed surprise.

"This is the thanks he gets. The coach has spent another full day discussing and acting on Dugan and Ferguson.

"He should be spending that time preparing his team for the match against Gold Coast (this Sunday).

"If Dugan goes, there won't be too many tears."

Talented and elusive, Dugan was once touted as being a long-term Canberra and NSW fullback.

Injuries and ill-discipline, though, have hampered and stalled his career.

The Panthers have money and have been touted as a possible suitor for Dugan. The Broncos maye also join in any negotiations.

Both clubs would need to impose a strict disciplinary code on Dugan, whose personal problems have mostly involved alcohol.

Dugan even took a photo of himself on the roof while drinking and posted it on Twitter. He was also showing his middle finger.

Reece Robinson will play fullback in Dugan's place against the Titans.

The Raiders haven't wielded the axe on a high-profile player since Todd Carney's dismissal in 2008.

In that case the club was successful in convincing the NRL to impose a one-year exile, forcing Carney to play the following season with the Atherton Roosters in Queensland.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/josh-dugans-management-fear-nrl-will-face-calls-to-deregister-canberra-raiders-star/story-fndujljl-1226596729134