JOSH Dugan is likely to miss the whole Origin series after St George Illawarra confirmed their star would need surgery that will sideline him for at least four weeks.

Dugan on Sunday ruled himself out of Origin I after reaggravating an elbow injury he had carried into camp, with the Blues forced to recall Josh Morris to the squad.

The Dragons’ head of medical and performance Tony Ayoub on Monday said Dugan's elbow had become “locked” after he took a knock in NSW training on Saturday, with surgery the only way to go to get him back on the field.

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

Round 19

“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 is expected to be sidelined for the next four weeks.”

Ayoub also said the initial injury Dugan suffered against the Rabbitohs in round 11 would have settled down in “10-14 days” with rest.

It’s a comment that reaffirms the Blues’ decision to cut Morris from the squad with Dugan on the mend until he reaggravated the injury in NSW’s final Coffs Harbour training session.