'I'm open to it': Sharks star Josh Dugan ponders rugby union switch, consults with All Blacks stars

Cronulla Sharks centre Josh Dugan has revealed he's consulted with All Blacks stars Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara surrounding a switch to rugby union.

Dugan, 30, is off-contract at the end of the season but is hopeful of remaining with the Cronulla club, who recently unveiled Craig Fitzgibbon as their head coach for 2022 and beyond.

And while Perenara may be linked with a switch to the Roosters later this season, Dugan could follow in his footsteps by hopping codes if he's unable to remain in Sydney.

Dugan nearly quit rugby league for a stint in Japanese rugby before opting to sign with the Sharks when he left the Dragons at the end of the 2017 season.

"I'm open to it [rugby]. My first priority would be to stay here in Sydney, but as a player, you only have a certain shelf life," Dugan said.

"You have to do what you can to set yourself up for the future.

"COVID has thrown a spanner in the works, but I have been talking to TJ Perenara and Aaron Smith.

"We have a WhatsApp group where we have a laugh. They are over there at the moment and they love it.

Dugan also revealed he's spoken with new Sharks signing Will Chambers surrounding the Japanese rugby market.

Chambers, a two-time premiership winner with the Storm, played two games for Japanese rugby union side Suntory Sungoliath before returning to the NRL and signing on with the Sharks.

"I spoke to Will about it [too]. He said he was a professional trainer because of the international player [quota]. I'm open to it, but my first priority would be to stay in Sydney," Dugan added.

"I've made it clear I'm happy and want to stay here. If it doesn't unfold that way I have to keep my options open.

"I grew up playing rugby. I played rugby before I played league. It's always been there for me. I made all the rep sides as a kid in rugby and went to a rugby dominated school (Marist College, Canberra)."