NSW centre Josh Dugan is expecting to be targeted by Queensland during State of Origin I next week as he prepares to test his fractured cheekbone in rugby league's toughest arena.
When Dugan takes to Suncorp Stadium, it will be just short of a month since his last game - the May 5 Anzac Test in which he clashed heads with St George Illawarra teammate Russell Packer.
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After having a steel plate implanted into his face, Dugan has been on light duties as he works himself up to full fitness.
The Dragons star had his first contact session with Blues teammates in camp in Kingscliff on Wednesday and is confident of his cheekbone holding up.
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Asked if he was guaranteed to play, Dugan said: "Yeah, 100 per cent."
He said he expected to come in for some heavy treatment from the Maroons and for them to test him out.
"Everyone's fair game," Dugan said.
"I'm sure I'll be fair game. That's Origin."
He consulted with his surgeon and team doctors before declaring himself free to play and was bullish about his body holding up.
It will be nearly four weeks between games, however he said he had no concerns about his fitness and handling the rigours of Origin football.
"Because it was my face, I could run every day and I could still do fitness," Dugan said.
"I was still up and down off the deck. The only thing I didn't do was have the ball in my hands. I'm not worried about my fitness, if they do target me we've got the players around me to help me out."
AAP
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