Canberra Raiders star fullback Josh Dugan has re-signed with the Green Machine on a new deal that will see him remain in the capital until at least the end of 2014.
It’s a huge positive for the Raiders on the eve of their first home game of the season on Saturday, with months of negotiations coming to a positive end with the Raiders junior remaining at the club which helped make him a massive name in the NRL.
Raiders Member Sean Ferrari (2837) had the unique opportunity as a Raiders member to announce the re-signing and then presented Dugan with his new number one jersey for 2012.
Mr Ferrari said it was a great honour and wished Josh All the best.
“As a Raiders member I have been given the wonderful opportunity as part of the 100-4-100 membership campaign to be a part of what is huge news for the club,” Mr Ferrari said. “Congratulations to Josh and I wish him all the best in the next few seasons.”
Dugan said there was never any doubt that he would remain a Raider and said he’s relieved to have it finalised before the season starts.
“This is my hometown. All my family and friends are here and we have a great group of players here as well which I think can go a long way and I think that was the main reason for me wanting to stay,” Dugan said. “My manager and Don (Furner) have worked really hard to get it over the line and get it sorted. I know that they have been talking a lot, but it’s finally finished and now I can’t wait to get out there for round one.”
Dugan said he never really considered moving to another club and said the delay in his re-signing was more due to coming up with the best deal for him and his future.
“I don’t really think so (on going to another club). There was a lot of talk about me leaving, but I never really had any meetings with any other clubs and my heart was always here with Canberra,” he said. “I definitely see myself here long term, but as a player you have to test your worth now and then and I’ve always been a player that backs my ability.”
Raiders CEO Don Furner said the news was a huge positive for the club ahead of the season and showed the Raiders were able to keep their high profile players.
“There’s no doubt Josh is a star in the NRL and to have him with the club until the end of 2014 is a huge positive not only for the club but for the members and sponsors as well,” Furner said. “We work hard to ensure we can keep our home-grown talent and Josh’s re-signing is certainly a massive example of this.”
