The Canberra Raiders’ decision today to terminate the contract of controversial fullback Josh Dugan is the latest episode in which the club has faced the daunting task of reluctantly waving goodbye to its biggest draw card.

Back in 2008 the Raiders finally decided that enough was enough and terminated its association with star half Todd Carney, who was eventually picked up by the Sydney Roosters, even appearing in a grand final for the Bondi club a few years later. In Dugan, the Raiders not only had another, some may say “problem child” on their hands, but perhaps more heartbreakingly, another local product who the ACT club will more than likely be playing against some time this season.

It’s got to be hard for the Raiders’ fans to be watching this happen all over again, and you wouldn’t doubt the faithful for questioning their club’s recruitment policy: where are they finding these blokes who play up?

The unfortunate thing for the Raiders is, it’s basically irrelevant what kind of personalities these players come with, because, the truth is, the Raiders would kick themselves if they dismissed a player rising through their system who went to play for a rival club untried by Canberra. To at least take every player on their merits and give him a go no matter what his background or lifestyle choices is a credit to the Raiders, it’s just unfortunate they have consequences like these to deal with when the players prove they don’t fit the mould for a desirable lime green soldier.