Both Corey Norman and Josh Dugan retired in 2021.
Norman had just finished his contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons whilst Dugan had his contract terminated by the Cronulla Sharks following a COVID-19 breach.
However, their careers were almost prolonged as one UK club saw them as a perfect fit.
That club was the Leigh Centurions whose owner Derek Beaumont has not messed about when it comes to new, big signings.
The likes of Tom Amone, Sam Stone, Caleb Aekins and John Asiata have all made the move to the Leigh Sports Village over the off-season, but they were almost joined by Norman and Dugan, according to Beaumont himself.
“We had agree terms with Corey Norman’s agent and the he decided to retire,” Beaumont told Serious About Rugby League.
“We also agreed terms with Josh Dugan’s agent and he decided not to take it up.
“It’s one thing the agent being happy with something but then the player has got to agree with it too
However, Dugan has now signed with regional New South Wales club Orange United for the 2022 season.
“For me personally, it’s about getting back to community and helping out the Indigenous boys. I just got my diploma in counselling, so if I can be some sort of a mentor or someone these guys can lean on then I’m all for it,” Dugan told The Western Advocate.
“I was actually planning on taking 12 months off before I considered any type of footy, but the convo struck up and one thing led to another.
“I’ve started missing the game and I’m keen to get back into it and have a bit of fun.
“I will take games seriously, but it’s not the high pressure situation that first grade was, day in and day out. I’m looking forward to being able to play footy again.”
