Josh Dugan has rejected a last-ditch bid from Canterbury to sign a rich four-year deal with St George Illawarra, but up to a dozen of his teammates could be on the lookout for new clubs.

The Dragons moved quickly to lock in the NSW fullback after Fairfax Media revealed on Friday the Bulldogs were circling Dugan as the man to replace Ben Barba following growing uncertainty surrounding Barba's immediate playing future.

Staying put: Dragons star Josh Dugan. Credit:Getty Images

Dugan's decision won't mean Barba is set to remain at Belmore with suggestions he has rekindled his relationship with Ainslie Currie, the mother of his two children. Currie is keen to return to Queensland with Barba likely to follow. An ankle injury means Barba won't oppose Dugan when the struggling Dragons host Canterbury at Jubilee Oval on Monday night.

Dugan's long-term deal has capped a remarkable period for Dugan, 23, who has starred since joining the Dragons after being sacked from the Raiders earlier this year. Dugan said he felt comfortable at the club.