Josh Dugan claims he's worked hard to clean up his image since leaving Canberra and is adamant he isn't reverting to his wild-child ways after his latest indiscretion.

Dugan is preparing to join Cronulla in the off-season after a five-year stint with St George Illawarra. His time in the Red V ended controversially after he missed the team bus for the crucial clash with Penrith. Dragons coach Paul McGregor dropped him over the incident and the side won without him, but his return the following week wasn't enough to earn a win against the Bulldogs that would have clinched a play-off spot.

His tardiness followed revelations that he and former Raiders teammate Blake Ferguson had spent a day at the Lennox Point Hotel just days out from the State of Origin decider.

Dugan, who has been named in Mal Meninga's Prime Minister's XIII side, said he has come a long way since being sacked by Canberra for his off-field antics.