The Dragons suffered a 32-14 loss to South Sydney in this year’s Charity Shield, with St. George Illawarra once again flailing in attack. Unfortunately, Josh Dugan didn’t do much to help them.

Dugan’s running game was strong as usual across the match, busting tackles and escaping the in-goal on multiple occasions. He even handed a rare try-assist for Nene Macdonald to score, managing as many try-assists in the Charity Shield as he had in the entire 2016 season – one.

Dugan’s hail mary around-the-front flick was a beauty, but it had ‘centre’ written all over it. He runs strong lines, solid defensively and blessed with speed, but Dugan just can’t seem to pass the footy. Playing as a custodian, Dugan is really damaging the Dragon’s attack, but it sure helps his wallet.

A New South Wales and Kangaroos incumbent, Dugan is an elite player of the game. While he played centre for both rep teams at centre, playing at fullback for the Red V truly expands his earning potential.

Fullback in the modern era is valued as one of the most crucial positions, some demanding $800,000 per season and above on the open market. At a club lacking spark and genuine, elite players, Dugan could command close to $900,000 a year in Wollongong. Compare that to centre, now one of the lesser valued positions, who earn around $400,000 a season, a substantial drop. Remaining in the number one jersey could see Dugan make an extra $2 million in the next five years, but at what cost?

Turning 27 in a few months time, Dugan is entering a time in his career when he needs to question, what’s more important, money or a premiership?

‘Duges’ has only played five finals matches in his career, with club success a notable absence on his CV. And if a premiership ring is truly on his mind, then it’s time for him to step aside. Young gun Matt Dufty impressed many in the Auckland Nines, with big things being touted for the Dragon’s junior.

Known for his lightning feet, it’s his ball-playing that demands attention from rivals, having a hand in over 20 tries in the Holden Cup in 2016, as well as scoring 23 of his own. It’s this kind of injection of youth, speed and smarts that could kick start the Dragon’s rebuild. A centre pairing of Dugan and Aitken with wingers Nene Macdonald and Jason Nightingale out wide wreaks of success, but Paul McGregor needs to be brave enough to make the move.

Ben Hunt’s arrival at the club in 2018 should improve their attack in leaps and bounds, but that’s still twelve months away for the struggling side. With Josh Dugan off-contract at the end of 2017, St George Illawarra have a big decision to make. They can’t re-sign Dugan at $900K if he’s going to play centre, and they can’t expect to improve too much with him at fullback.

Matt Dufty remains sidelined for a couple of weeks with a meniscus tear, guaranteeing Dugan will start the year at the back. But with Dufty expected back on the field within the next month, it’s time for the Dragons to be brave.