Sharks star Josh Dugan has been given the all-clear following a training accident earlier this morning.
Dugan was transported to Sutherland Hospital via ambulance for precautionary evaluation on a neck injury after a heavy collision with a teammate during the Sharks scrimmage session.
Due to the nature of the injury, coupled with the fact Dugan has had previous neck issues, the Sharks took all possible precautions, immobilised him on the field and immediately sent him to hospital for tests.
Scans and tests didn’t reveal any serious damage, with Dugan discharged from hospital and returning home by early afternoon.
Sharks coach John Morris was mostly relieved for Josh that the injury hadn’t proved to be serious and was also pleased Dugan would likely be back on deck next week as training continues ahead of the start of the 2021 season.
“Josh has been training strongly throughout the summer and was also having a good day and a good session today until the mishap, so it is a big relief to all of us that it hasn’t turned out to be a serious injury,” Morris said.
“I would also say, with potential injuries of this nature there can’t be any shortcuts or risks taken and I was very impressed with the way our medical team immobilised Josh, stretchered him from the field and professionally handled the situation.”
Dugan, who was stiff and sore but optimistic about a quick return to the training paddock following his discharge from hospital, has been working hard with the Sharks NRL squad as preparations intensify ahead of the new season.
The 2021 season will be Dugan’s fourth at the Sharks. He has played 53 games in total for the Cronulla club, including 16 of 19 matches following the COVID resumption last year and 23 games in 2019.
