Josh Dugan of the Blues.

Dugan reaggravated an elbow injury at training on Saturday and woke up sore on Sunday morning.

He will be replaced in the starting line-up by Bulldogs centre Josh Morris, who was officially released by the Bulldogs ahead of their NRL match against the Raiders on Sunday afternoon.

After being checked out by Blues medical staff he was officially ruled out just hours prior to the NSW team’s scheduled flight back to Sydney, where preparations for Wednesday’s match will ramp up.

“I’m devastated,” Dugan said.

“It was the best thing for the team at the moment.

“I reaggravated it at training yesterday and that’s probably about it really. I’ve just got to go back, see our physios and go from there.

“I don’t want to go out there on Wednesday if I can’t give 100 per cent.

“I know what sort of arena it’s like and it was probably one of the toughest decisions I’ve made. Just putting the team first.”

The omission of last year’s Brad Fittler Medallist, who originally suffered the injury playing for the Dragons against the Rabbitohs in round 10, is a huge blow to the NSW side after an otherwise disruption free week’s preparation in Coffs Harbour.

Morris, who has played 13 matches for the Blues since his debut in 2009, left Canberra on Sunday morning to meet up with Laurie Daley and his Blues teammates.

The 29-year-old will again be tasked with stopping Queensland strike weapon Greg Inglis.

His call-up, however, has left Canterbury coach Des Hasler trying to find a replacement for the Raiders clash.

Further complicating matters is the Bulldogs’ NSW Intrust Super Premiership side has already played this weekend, defeating Manly 36-22 on Saturday at Belmore Oval.

It’s likely Hasler may now be forced to select a player who played just 24 hours earlier.