Dugan denies row with Raiders hierarchy
Canberra sensation Josh Dugan has delivered another denial that he is unhappy at the Raiders and wants out of the NRL club.
Dugan rubbished rumours linking him with the Sydney Roosters from 2012 before the City-Country clash earlier this month and on Monday moved to squash a report he had fallen out with Canberra management.
His manager, Paul Sutton, took the unusual step of issuing a statement on behalf of the 20-year-old, widely considered a superstar on the rise after his stunning debut for Country.
A News Ltd report on Sunday said Dugan's relationship with Raiders coach David Furner and his brother Don, the club's CEO, could result in the fullback leaving the club when his current contract expires at the end of 2011.
"I wish to say publicly that I am fully committed to playing football with the Raiders until I decide on my future," Dugan said in the statement.
"I have simply decided to wait until the end of the year before I make a decision and have not had any dealings or negotiations with any other NRL clubs."
But it was left to Sutton's company, SFX Sports, to deny Dugan was not getting on with the Furner brothers.
"A direct statement from Josh today says he has never personally clashed with officials at the Raiders club and denies any reports that he has made up his mind to leave for the Roosters or any other club in 2012 after falling out with Canberra's coach and chief executive," SFX said in the statement.
Reports have previously linked Dugan with the Roosters, causing Don Furner to allow NRL salary cap auditor Ian Schubert to see a contract extension offer the fullback recently rejected.
The move was designed to ensure rival clubs abided by cap rules.
"There have been reports in the media recently that Josh has signed with another club other than his current one in the Raiders and he and his management would like to deny any such dealings," SFX said.
"Not only would this be inconsistent with NRL rules, it is also fanciful.
"Josh has instructed SFX that he will wait until after the end of the 2010 season to make a decision on his future and has backed his abilities on the field before making a final decision."
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