Dragons to use Carney blueprint with Dugan

Good mate Todd Carney could actually help Josh Dugan stay out of trouble at rival club St George Illawarra.

The Sharks' successful handling of Carney is believed to be the blueprint by which the Dragons will try to reel in the wayward Dugan.

Coach Steve Price yesterday said the Dragons believed the onus of responsibility to behave fell squarely on the shoulders of the players, dispelling any myths that the club would ban Dugan from social media.

When Carney landed at the Sharks after alcohol-fueled incidents saw him kicked out of the Raiders and Roosters, Cronulla decided against a booze ban and the once-wayward five eighth has managed to stay out of trouble for the last two years.

And in similar fashion, the Dragons are unlikely to impose any bans on Dugan despite the Broncos tearing up a potential two-year deal after a series of outbursts on social media.

"That's how you've got to treat young men," Price said.

"The more bans they have on them the more likely they are to stuff up.

"It's about helping people and we're certainly doing that as a football club.

"We have strict guidelines in terms of culture and being respectful in terms of our footy club, and we demand high quality in that regard. He's got to fit into us."

Dugan is expected to line up for the big red V as early as tomorrow, with the Dragons in desperate need of some attacking flare.

Off-season fullback recruit Gerard Beale is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL and prolific try-scoring winger Brett Morris will be sidelined for at least two weeks, also with a knee complaint.