St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Josh Dugan will undergo surgery to his elbow and will be sidelined until at least the Round 17 fixture against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval.

The NSW Blues representative will undertake minor elbow surgery as determined by Club medical staff following his previous decision to omit himself from the opening State of Origin fixture on Sunday.

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The Australia international originally hyperextended his left elbow during the during the 34-24 loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park on Thursday.

“Josh suffered a hyperextension injury to his left elbow during the game against the Rabbitohs and his initial scans showed a small fracture in the anterior part of the joint as well as an old fragment in the posterior joint,” said Head of Medical and Performance Tony Ayoub.

“Josh consulted with Club medical staff as well as an orthopaedic specialist whom both felt at the time that he would settle within the next 10 -14 days.

“With treatment and rest Josh improved while in camp with the NSW Blues State of Origin squad.

“Unfortunately, while training with the Blues on Saturday he aggravated the injury and his elbow has since become locked due to the fragments that are floating in his joint.

“Club medical staff have again consulted with the orthopaedic specialist and after further scans we believe the best course of action for Josh will be to remove the fragments via an arthroscope.

“This will give him the best opportunity to complete the season without further exacerbating his elbow.

“He will have the surgery immediately and is expected to be side-lined for the next four weeks.”