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UPDATE: THE Canberra Raiders board made the unanimous decision today to sack fullback Josh Dugan on the back of a series of breaches.
Dugan's teammate Blake Ferguson was also hit with a $10,000 fine and ordered to undergo counselling.
Raiders CEO Don Furner said Ferguson had been stood down indefinitely from playing "until he has shown progress in a number of areas”. He refused to confirm Ferguson was on his final warning.
The drama comes after Dugan and 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.
"There was no other alternative but to set him loose," Furner said of Dugan today.
"It's very unfortunate that one of our local products with immense talent ended his career with us this way. It's an unfortunate day."
Last night, Brisbane and Penrith emerged as clubs interested in Dugan, a former NSW Origin fullback.
Josh Dugan was sacked by the Raiders today.
There were also suggestions he may opt for a stint in French rugby union.
NRL match centre - now optimised for mobile
Raiders players were angry yesterday at the pair's off-field behaviour. Most claimed to be "fed up".
Some Raiders players had told management they would baulk at re-signing if Dugan remained.
One Raiders source said: "Furnsey (Raiders coach David Furner) 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.
Josh Dugan in action for the Raiders on the weekend and (inset) a picture he posted of himself on Instagram.
"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 may also join in any negotiations.
Both clubs would need to impose a strict disciplinary code on Dugan, whose personal problems have mostly involved alcohol.
Raiders stand down Dugan and Ferguson
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Raiders stand down Dugan and FergusonThe Canberra Raiders have stood down indefinitely Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson for breaching team policies.
Sky News12 March 2013
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Dugan even took a photo of himself on the roof while drinking and posted it on Twitter. He was also gesturing with 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.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/jo...rra-raiders-star/story-fndujljl-1226596729134
Dugan's teammate Blake Ferguson was also hit with a $10,000 fine and ordered to undergo counselling.
Raiders CEO Don Furner said Ferguson had been stood down indefinitely from playing "until he has shown progress in a number of areas”. He refused to confirm Ferguson was on his final warning.
The drama comes after Dugan and 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.
"There was no other alternative but to set him loose," Furner said of Dugan today.
"It's very unfortunate that one of our local products with immense talent ended his career with us this way. It's an unfortunate day."
Last night, Brisbane and Penrith emerged as clubs interested in Dugan, a former NSW Origin fullback.
Josh Dugan was sacked by the Raiders today.
There were also suggestions he may opt for a stint in French rugby union.
NRL match centre - now optimised for mobile
Raiders players were angry yesterday at the pair's off-field behaviour. Most claimed to be "fed up".
Some Raiders players had told management they would baulk at re-signing if Dugan remained.
One Raiders source said: "Furnsey (Raiders coach David Furner) 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.
Josh Dugan in action for the Raiders on the weekend and (inset) a picture he posted of himself on Instagram.
"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 may also join in any negotiations.
Both clubs would need to impose a strict disciplinary code on Dugan, whose personal problems have mostly involved alcohol.
Raiders stand down Dugan and Ferguson
WatchClose
Raiders stand down Dugan and FergusonThe Canberra Raiders have stood down indefinitely Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson for breaching team policies.
Sky News12 March 2013
CloseAdvertisementReplay: Raiders stand down Dugan and Ferguson
Share this video
Video Suggestions:Watch More VideoShare: Raiders stand down Dugan and FergusonPostEmailLinkEmbedPost to Site
Share on facebookFacebookShare on twitterTwitterShare on myspaceMyspaceShare on deliciousDeliciousShare on favoritesFavoritesShare on googleGoogleShare on diggDiggShare on stumbleuponStumbleUponShare on moreMore servicesEmail
Email To:Your Email:Message:Send
URL Link
Embed Code
return to videoYour video will play following this advertisementPlay 0:00 / 1:50ScrubbermuteScrubberShareFullscreen
Dugan even took a photo of himself on the roof while drinking and posted it on Twitter. He was also gesturing with 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.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/jo...rra-raiders-star/story-fndujljl-1226596729134
