St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Josh Dugan has declared that selection into the Australia Kangaroos squad is amongst the ‘proudest moments’ of his career.
The NSW Blues representative, alongside teammate Trent Merrin, is part of an 18-man squad named by Head Coach Tim Sheens for the annual ANZAC Test fixture against the New Zealand Kiwis at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Friday.
Dugan, 25, admits he was quietly confident that the Red-and-Whites’ recent on field form would resonate with teammates being selected for various representative duties but his own selection for his country caught him off-guard.
The Dragons custodian has been named on the wing for the international match and while he admits it may be an unfamiliar position, it is a new test he is relishing to overcome.
“It’s a proud moment in my career and I’m looking forward to the game on Friday,” said Dugan.
“I got the call while out to breakfast on the Sunday morning and had to race home to pack my bags and jump on the plane quickly.
“At the start it didn’t sink in that I had been selected but as the week goes on it will start to sink in a lot more.
“I believe my form as well as that of the Club’s has been good so I always expected several of my teammates would get selection into the various other representative teams.
“When the team is winning you definitely get those accolades.
“I don’t have a lot of experience out on the wing but I have proven that I am versatile and can adapt to wherever I play.
“It’s another feather in the cap that I am looking forward to and knowing I need to now do my job.”
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