Former NRL star Josh Dugan would be lucky to crack the Mittagong Lions first grade side according to President Matt Aiken.
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Dugan, who represented both NSW and the Kangaroos during his career, was sensationally linked to the Highlands club via a News Corp column on Monday.
However the Southern Highland News can confirm that there is no substance to the rumour with the Lions saying they've never made contact.
"I can honestly say we've not signed Josh Dugan," Aiken said.
"We've never met, and we certainly haven't made contact with him.
"He'd be lucky to get a start at our club anyway. We are littered in bigger names. Bayliss, Jefferys, Frazer, Wortz, Menzies and Eccleston to name a few."
Aiken said he expected the 31-year old, who was embroiled in several controversies during his career, to sign for a nearby club.
![Dugan back in his days with the Canberra Raiders. Picture: Melissa Adams Dugan back in his days with the Canberra Raiders. Picture: Melissa Adams](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/131358433/4a048193-256c-4235-aff3-31873627b385.jpg/r0_0_729_528_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"I know where the rumour stemmed from but I don't want to throw anyone under a bus," he laughed.
"All I can say is we've enjoyed the extra publicity so I thank the club who's behind it, my tip is he'll probably pop up there.
"The world was always going to know our name come September so this has just fast tracked it. You can't buy this exposure, I love it!"
The Lions are preparing for a baptism of fire in the new Macarthur Conference in 2022, which replaces the old Group 6 competition.
"The landscape is certainly fast changing in recruitment," he explained.
"It appears most clubs have bolstered their stocks. It will be a tough comp, it will be the year to win it that's for sure.
"We will stick with a very talented local roster aided by Jarrod Boyle, the 2021 Group 6 Player of the Year.
"Jimmy Grehan is our Captain/Coach. Bryson Goodwin is basically a local now, a surprise package in our fullback and front rower plus a couple of cool signings from the coast.
"All our teams look like they'll be competitive so exciting times ahead for our club, fans and sponsors. Our players appreciate our sponsors and fans and they want to thank them for the last two seasons with results on the footy field."
Both the seniors and junior club are still welcoming any players and sponsors. You can send a message to the respective Facebook pages to learn more.
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