Josh Dugan says he is happy to resume fullback duties for the Dragons in 2017 despite starting this season in the centres with a view to remain there long-term.
The 26-year-old played the first two games of the year at right centre for the Red V, but with his side struggling to score points – and with Dugan starved of early ball – Dragons coach Paul McGregor moved him back to the No.1 jersey in Round 3.
That's where he remained for the rest of the season as Dugan finished 2016 with 2,894 metres, 75 tackle breaks and 10 line breaks.
While there are still question marks over potential personnel changes at the club in 2017, Dugan confirmed the plan was for him to start next season at the back.
"At the Dragons, I'm happy to be fullback. I've spoken to 'Mary' a few times and he's happy for me to be at the back and at the moment I'm happy to be there as well," Dugan said.
"I've played my best footy there, and for the club, I think that was the best situation for me to be in."
Dugan will finish the year the same way he started, with the 26-year-old selected at right centre for the Prime Minister's XIII side to take on Papua New Guinea on Saturday evening.
Having played there for the Kangaroos in the Anzac Test and for the Blues in Game Three of this year's State of Origin series, Dugan said he had no issues switching back to the three-quarter line for a match that shapes as a Four Nations trial.
"Any time I get a representative jersey, I'll play anywhere," he said.
"I find myself pretty comfortable there. I felt like I played pretty well in the Aussie game and in the centres for Origin as well. It's nothing new to me so I guess I have to train well and hopefully play well."
This weekend's match will be Dugan's first trip to Port Moresby since his debut season in 2009, and one he is very much looking forward to being a part of.
"I actually did it in my first year of first grade and it's an eye-opener. I remember getting levelled and it took me about five minutes to get my breath back," he recalled.
"I remember I'd only played about 12 games in my first year of first grade and there was a small group of the crowd that knew who I was. It's pretty crazy how passionate about the game they are.
"It's a great experience and something that you need to experience as well. They've got a great rugby league culture over there and they love it. You give them any gear and they're fighting over it."
Game on. Data off.
Stream every NRL game, including finals, live and data free with a 2016 Footy Pass, exclusive to Telstra mobile.
Watch all the NRL action live on your compatible tablet or mobile device with data-free streaming on your Telstra mobile plan.
For use in Australia only.
