Sharks great Paul Gallen believes Josh Dugan’s time in the NRL is over as the Cronulla centre faces allegations of a second COVID-19 breach amid Sydney’s lockdown.
The NRL integrity unit is investigating claims that Dugan last week breached NSW Health orders and the league’s biosecurity protocols when he and another man were pulled over in the NSW town of Lithgow, 150 kilometres from their places of residence.
It’s the second COVID-19 strike against Dugan after the centre was fined $25,000 by the NRL last month for breaking the code’s protocols.
While Dugan has made it known that he plans to dispute what took place surrounding his latest indiscretion, Gallen believes it won’t be enough to save his NRL career.
“He’s totally disputing what happened and I don’t know the exact reasons as to how or why he’s disputing them, but he’s absolutely disputing what is happening here,” Gallen told Nine’s 100% Footy.
“The thing about Josh Dugan is he’s now 31 years of age and off contract.
“Unfortunately throughout his career, he’s had minor issues, nothing too bad, but minor issues.
“I think Josh has played his last game in the NRL. I think his next move will be Super League or retirement.”
Dugan, who hasn’t played since Round 11, was left in Sydney while the rest of the Sharks squad relocated to Queensland for the remainder of the season.
Gallen says despite some of Dugan’s off-field issues, there is an unfair “perception” of him in the public.
“Josh Dugan is not a big drinker,” Gallen said.
“I know he got in trouble with Blake Ferguson drinking the drinks, but he’s not a big drinker.
“He’s a family man, he’s pretty quiet and sticks to himself a fair bit.
“The perception of him out there is not what everyone thinks, but sure enough this time he’s got himself in trouble once again and I think his time in the NRL is probably up.”
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