The talented half has not only done that, but become an important part of the Magpies outfit.

On Sunday as his new side posted their fifth win of the season – downing Mudgee 30-14 at Glen Willow Oval – Bugg was amongst the standouts for the Magpies.

Alongside five-eighth Warren Williams, Bugg directed his side well. It was an important performance too given that another of the Magpies’ big 2018 signings in fullback Jeremy Gordon was absent.

“I put it on Joey and Warren before the game and told them they need to take responsibility now,” Magpies coach Steve Sutton said.

“I thought Joey was really good and Warren was strong, as always. They led us around the field well.

“We were patchy at times but got the job done. That’s the main thing.”

The effort added to Bugg’s impressive performance against this former club earlier this month, laying on the opening try against Panthers before setting up another to help the Magpies on their way to a 30-14 win.

With that win against Panthers and now a tough away effort at Mudgee, Sutton thinks he’s coaching a legitimate premiership threat.

“We’re a contender for sure,” Sutton said.

“Our last month of footy has been really strong. Ever since the Panthers game we’ve lifted. The guys have a bit of self belief now. We’ll go home, we’ve got Lithgow next week – you never know what they will throw at you.”