Dugan sin bin sparked Dragon comeback

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ST GEORGE Illawarra players have credited the sin binning of Josh Dugan for helping them rediscover the "character" required to be an NRL force.

Apart from overcoming an 18-point deficit against Canberra on Saturday night, the Dragons also kept the Raiders scoreless for the 10 minutes they were forced to play a man short.

The victory followed a week of negative headlines for the joint-venture club, whose management came under fire from an online Twitter campaign #SaveOurSaints.

Dugan was binned 15 minutes into the second half - with the Dragons still trailing 20-12 - after tapping the ball from Raider Jarrod Croker's grasp as he was racing for a quick restart.

Yet rather than falling in a heap, the Dragons lifted in their fullback's absence to eventually win 22-20.

Asked about the performance on Sunday, English forward Mike Cooper said: "Playing that 10 minute period without 'Duges', it was huge for us.

Joel Thompson celebrates his matchwinning try. Source: Getty Images

"It was the turning point in the game, definitely.

"We were really under the pump at that stage and, having someone go off, normally you would just go into damage control - try and leak as few points as possible.

"But to keep them scoreless ... it was massive. A real show of character."

Apart from giving the Dragons their first win of 2015, Cooper said the way the Dragons played without their NSW Origin star had also reminded the squad what they were capable of.

"I'm not saying we've won a grand final or anything like that,'' the forward continued. "But the feeling in the sheds after that win was definitely special.

"To play like we did in those 10 minutes been a huge shot of confidence for the side.

"We always knew we were capable of a performing like that ... but it took Duges' sin binning to bring it out.

"Everyone knows the history of these two clubs. For the Dragons, just beating Canberra in Canberra has been tough enough, let alone after trailing by 18 points.

"But when 'Duges' went off ... you could just see it in the lads, everyone lifted."

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The gritty win also eases the pressure on coach Paul McGregor.

"We've got faith in 'Mary' and he has faith in us,'' Cooper continued.

"Coaching in the NRL isn't an easy job.

"But the second half of that game, it's the first time we've followed the instructions of the coaching staff. We stuck to the plan and things worked out.

"Obviously there has been a lot of attention on the club for the past couple of weeks. But things can change so quickly.

"You only have to look at North Queensland. Three weeks ago they were certainties for the top eight ... now they're copping it from everywhere.

"We just need to play a little bit smarter."

And as for what punishment Dugan will receive?

"I'm not sure what the penalty is to be honest,'' Cooper laughed. "There will definitely be something though.

"Maybe a fine or something like that.

"We'll come up with something for him."

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