After being sacked by the raiders 9 weeks ago, Dugan returned scoring two tries aiding the dragons 32-12 win over the eels.�

JOSH Dugan was the spark in his first game for the Dragons in a performance coach Steve Price described as their best of 2013.

After blowing the Eels off the park with two tries - both from kicks - six tackle busts and two linebreaks, Dugan said he is ready to step up to State of Origin if NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley comes calling.

His performance last night suggests he would not be out of place.

"If my name got tossed up, I would grab it with both hands,'' Dugan said.

"I'd like to think that I'd warrant it. If I'm playing good footy and my name pops up, I'd take it and run with it. At the moment my focus is just playing well for the boys and the club.

"As I said last week, I think this is my last chance and I'm looking to repay the faith. Just keep working hard off the field.''

The Dragons' dismantling of the Eels was much more than one player transforming a struggling side into a competitive club.

It doesn't happen as simply as that at NRL level, but the deplorable Eels made Dugan's arrival at St George Illawarra look like the kind of instant renovation restoration you only see on The Block.

The Dragons were solid, even clinical at times, but plenty of their sparkle came as a gift from the slop dished up by the Eels as the Dragons celebrated Women in League round with a 32-12 win in front of 17,458 at WIN Stadium.

SATURDAY NIGHT NRL

The 23-year-old's Dragons debut, the most exciting appearance of a man wearing pink since Michael Slater's Jane McGrath Day suit at the cricket, had the Dragons faithful on the hill yahooing like they'd picked a winner on Melbourne Cup Day.

Because in the former NSW State of Origin fullback, the Dragons believe they have a winner.

"He's a winner,'' Price said.

"It was great to score 32 points. We haven't scored 32 points in a while. For his debut in the Red V, I thought it was a great performance.''

"I was pleased overall with the first 40 minutes I thought that was the best display we've had this year."

Dugan was just pleased to get his hand on the ball, having to wait 10 minutes for his first touch.

When he was going the Dragons were going. It was 16-0 after 25 minutes with tries to Trent Merrin, Ben Creagh and Daniel Vidot.

Captain Ben Creagh said his team lifted with Dugan's injection.

The Eels' loss was compounded by an injury to back-rower Kelepi Tanginoa who did not return in the second half after suffering a broken hand in the first 40 minutes.

Coach Ricky Stuart said his side was confused by the referees' handling off the ruck, which saw them surrender eight penalties - including five in the first 25 minutes.

"That first 25 minutes that's where we lost the battle and that's where we lost the game I believe,'' Stuart said.

"From what the players are saying, it was basically like a tough game of touch footy. There's no reward for defence. It just makes it very frustrating.''

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 32 (J Dugan 2 D Vidot 2 B Creagh T Merrin tries J Soward 4 goals) bt PARRAMATTA 12 (P Terepo 2 tries C Sandow 2 goals) at WIN Stadium. Referee: Gavin Badger, Alan Shortall. Crowd: 17,458.