Australian coach Mal Meninga says  Josh Dugan is still firmly in contention for  spot in the Kangaroos squad for the World Cup.

Dugan was widely criticized for his off field indiscretion during the Origin series and has been dropped from the Dragons side in recent weeks for breaking team rules.

Meninga (pictured)  though says Dugans behaviour while a member of the national team has been exemplary and he expects Dugan to be a vital member of the Australian team for years to come.