TEST star Josh Dugan harbours ambitions to play French rugby but will put that dream on ice in hopes of continuing his career in the Red V.

The St George Illawarra fullback comes off contract next season but in a sign of faith in coach Paul McGregor and his teammates, has declared he’d love to stay at the Dragons beyond his current deal.

The fullback, who just returned from touring England with Australia’s Four Nations side, is yet to begin negotiating a new deal.

Those talks will kick-off in the new year and while Dugan is sure to attract plenty of interest, he said he hasn’t forgotten how the Red V handed him a career lifeline after he was sacked by Canberra and had an offer from Brisbane withdrawn back in 2013.

Round 20

Josh Dugan for the Kangaroos in action. Source: AAP

“I want to stay at the Dragons and hopefully that’s what happens,” Dugan told foxsports.com.au.

“I feel like they gave me a second chance and that’s why I extended for so long in the first place.

“I could have taken a two year deal and I chose four. I wanted to repay the faith and I’ll be looking to do that again.”

After spending the first two games of the season in the centres for the Dragons this year, Dugan’s shift back to fullback is a permanent move.

There’s seven NRL quality fullbacks off-contract in 2017 including the likes of James Tedesco, Darius Boyd and Valentine Holmes.

Josh Dugan of the Dragons in action. Source: News Corp Australia

Veteran No.1s Billy Slater and Brett Stewart are also off-contract and expected to retire or leave the NRL after next season.

Due to the movement, Dugan is sure to attract plenty of interest from rival clubs.

While the 26-year-old confirmed he’s not finished with rugby league just yet, he did admit he’d like to finish his career in the 15-man game.

Dugan revealed the perfect scenario would see him spend the remaining years of his professional career overseas so he and his family can see the world.

“Maybe in a few years’ time,” he said of rugby.

“Maybe a bit of French rugby and get to travel.”

This writer is on Twitter @Nath_Ryan

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