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Josh Dugan breaks down in extraordinary press conference

Sharks star Josh Dugan has broken down in his first interview since he came under fire for criticising a News Corp journalist.

Speaking after yet another tumultuous period in his career, the former NSW Origin star was clearly rattled by the negative press he’s been receiving.

First, Dugan refused to answer a question about the podcast which saw Andrew Fifita and himself reprimanded for abusing News Corp journalist Buzz Rothfield.

“I’ve got nothing to say about it,” Dugan said.

Sharks star Josh Dugan breaks down over his media treatment. Pic: Fox Sports
Sharks star Josh Dugan breaks down over his media treatment. Pic: Fox Sports

From there, the physical centre went into detail about why he didn’t want to cooperate with the media, calling himself an easy target – ever since getting fired by the Raiders in 2013 following a string of off-field incidents.

“I’ve been an easy target since 2013 and I can’t see that changing,” Dugan said.

“That’s when I got sacked from Canberra, everyone’s going to have that opinion of me every since then, it’s never gonna change.

“Doesn’t matter how much stuff I do outside of footy, I raised over 15 grand for a young boy not that long ago, visited him in hospital, you don’t hear about that.

“It’s only the bad stuff for me, I’m used to it.”

Josh Dugan has had another injury-plagued year. Pic: Getty
Josh Dugan has had another injury-plagued year. Pic: Getty

Asked if the hate has worn him down over the years, Dugan had a quick response.

“It’s just draining,” Dugan said.

The Sharks star went on to describe how good news stories are rarely picked up in the media, and how he’s been trying to change the perception around him.

Dugan described a number of “things you don’t hear about” in his life, including how he’s been studying a social work degree in an attempt to give back to the community.

The former Dragon did however declare he accepted full responsibility for his actions.