St George Illawarra Dragons’ Director of Rugby League Pathways Ian Millward has come out swinging against star fullback Josh Dugan as contract negotiations drag on.

Millward told dragons.com.au that an offer had been handed to Dugan in November last year but the club was now struggling to match an offer reportedly from fierce rivals Cronulla-Sutherland.

“We’ve been in negotiations with Josh since November last season,” Millward said.

“It’s been an ongoing process, but we’ve been advised by his management that they have a rival club that has made a significant offer.

“They’re very high expectations for us to meet, both the length of the contract and the salary.

“We’re not in a position at the moment to meet those high expectations.”