Broncos have extra incentive to sign Dugan - Sydney Morning Herald

Wanted man: Josh Dugan. Photo: Colleen Petch

Brisbane fullback Corey Norman's departure to Parramatta is likely to quicken the Broncos' desire to offer sacked Canberra star Josh Dugan a lifeline.

Dugan is poised to resurrect his career at Brisbane or St George Illawarra after the Raiders tore up his contract over repeated breaches of the club's code of conduct. But with Norman's departure to the Eels being announced when the Broncos' attack is stuttering, Brisbane will feel pressure to solve that problem quickly.

The Broncos are understood to have had early discussions with Dugan's management, as have the Dragons, another team spluttering in attack.

Dugan's manager, Paul Sutton, maintained there had been no official offers from other clubs for the 22-year-old, who is not guaranteed to be registered immediately by the NRL. ''There's been no offers as yet,'' Sutton said. ''Until we get one, it's hard to do anything. There's been some interest. We'll just see how we go.''

Sutton also manages Norman, who was confirmed as Eels coach Ricky Stuart's first major signing since Stuart arrived at the club. With Josh Papalii having agreed to join the club before changing his mind under the ''round 13'' rule, the Eels asked Norman to make a statement to reassure the club's supporters that he would not have a rethink.

''I understand that under the NRL rules I have until round 13 to change my mind, but I just wanted Eels members, fans and sponsors to know that I will be standing 100 per cent by my decision to make the move to Sydney,'' Norman said. ''I have made a commitment by signing a contract and I will see that commitment and contract through.''

Norman, who signed a three-year deal beginning in 2014, added: ''Brisbane got me to where I am today, and for that the Broncos will always be special to me. That said, I am ready for a new challenge from 2014, and heading to Parramatta next season gives me an opportunity to test myself outside of my comfort zone. Until then I'll be doing my absolute best for the Broncos.''

It is highly unlikely the Eels would be in a position to take Norman now, even if the Broncos signed Dugan for the rest of this season.

While Norman is fullback at Brisbane, he played most of last season at five-eighth, which is where Stuart sees him in his side, at least initially. That will mean fullback Jarryd Hayne, who is likely to re-sign with the Eels this week, can remain at fullback.

''Corey has all the attributes to have a successful career in the NRL,'' Stuart said.