Dugan embraces return to fullback

Former NSW fullback Josh Dugan is set to switch back to the No.1 for St George Illawarra as coach Paul McGregor revamps his side in his first full year at the helm.

Dugan was successfully moved to the centres shortly after McGregor took the reins from Steve Price in 2014 and impressed enough to earn a State of Origin recall for Game III.

And while the one-time bad boy was determined to continue in his new role in 2015, he admits he is happy to play team man and return to fullback, where he plans to shine and hopefully replace Jarryd Hayne for the Blues.

"I was loving centre, and this time last year I would have said put me in the centres," Dugan told News Ltd.

"But playing fullback is now the best thing for me and the best thing for the team."

Dugan will begin his fullback rebirth in the Charity Shield against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night and admits he is excited about the chance for the Dragons to measure themselves against the premiers before the season kicks off.

The club lost international winger Brett Morris to Canterbury in the offseason, while a swag of other players, including centre Gerard Beale were shown the door in a clean-out by McGregor as he looks to return the Red V to finals football.

A key plank to the Dragons finals hopes will be how Dugan performs and the Rabbitohs battle will be the perfect starting point.

"For us to beat the reigning premiers, even though they might not have some of their big guns playing, it will be a good test for us before we go to England," Dugan said.

"If we can get a couple of wins before the start of the season, we’ll be flying and ready for round one."

Dugan shapes as one of three options for NSW coach Laurie Daley as a replacement for NFL-bound Hayne alongside Manly's Brett Stewart and Penrith's Tim Moylan.

And the lure of the Blues No.1 was an added incentive for his switch back to custodian at St George Illawarra.

Dugan was full of praise for McGregor and his no nonsense approach, hailing his ability to let his players know where they stand.

The rookie coach made waves immediately after taking over at the club in early 2014 and was also the centre of speculation about unrest after telling a host of contracted players they were free to look for other clubs during the offseason.

But it's a style that resonates with Dugan.

"When 'Mary' first started, he did say, 'this is the way it’s going to be, and if you don’t like it, there’s the door'," Dugan said.

"He’s always been pretty upfront. That’s the best thing about him. You don’t want someone who will beat around the bush or sugar-coats things.

"If you need a kick up the bum, Mary can do that.

"I remember a game against Manly at Kogarah last year, and the back five copped a serving at half-time. There was myself, Jason Nightingale, Gerard Beale, Brett Morris."That’s three internationals and myself, and I’m a NSW player as well.

"He gave us a spray about costing the team the game because we weren’t performing to our standards.

"It would be up there (with one of the best sprays), but it’s also the motivation you might need sometimes if you’re not performing."