"And with calls for his head along with that of chief executive Peter Doust, and the players constantly being targeted by their fans, McGregor pointed out that the team had so far over-achieved on expectations this year — and that was also the case last season."
http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/pa...s/news-story/eebdbb11c8810a41b81a535966a14728
Paul McGregor questions why St George Illawarra are being targeted ahead of other under-performing rivals
Paul CrawleyThe Daily Telegraph
FIRST it was Mike Cooper who this week slammed “unfair” criticism being aimed at the Dragons.
Now coach Paul McGregor has stepped up to defend his team, questioning why St George Illawarra are being targeted ahead of other under-performing rivals.
With the Roosters (15th), Souths (13th) and Manly (12th) below his team on the table, McGregor responded to the pressure being put on his team.
Despite losing their last three games and having the second worst attacking record in the NRL behind only Newcastle, the Dragons are still right in the fight for the top eight heading into Friday night’s crucial clash against the 5th placed Bulldogs.
“For some unknown reason they seem to enjoy targeting some clubs more than others and some players more than others and some coaches more than others,” McGregor said.
“But you can’t do much about that.
“You have just got to work towards the main goals and that is to go out and play your best footy.”
And with calls for his head along with that of chief executive Peter Doust, and the players constantly being targeted by their fans, McGregor pointed out that the team had so far over-achieved on expectations this year — and that was also the case last season.
The Dragons are one of three teams on 20 competition points in 11th spot on points differential, but sitting just one win out of the top eight.
“I think last year everyone said we over-achieved,” he said.
“Again this year everyone picked us to finish in the bottom four with our roster.
“All of a sudden we are above that still now and we are not playing well and we can’t do this and we can ‘t do that.
“But that is rugby league.
“It is the game that we all love and we love to hate at different stages.”
While their form on the field has angered fans, so too has the fact the Dragons are struggling to sign reinforcements for next year.
They have already missed out on Luke Keary and it looks like Corey Norman will also be staying at Parramatta.
McGregor also admitted contract negotiations this year had been difficult on some players, like Benji Marshall and Mitch Rein whose futures are still to be decided.
McGregor said he just wanted his players to put the negativity out of their minds, like he plans on doing.
“You can’t worry about what other people think or concern yourselves with what other people think because it just takes away from your focus on what you need to do, which is concentrate on what you can control and that is winning games of footy,” he said.
“And that is the same as the players.
“Obviously they have got feelings and today’s social media really opens up everything.
“Unfortunately the players do look into things.
“So for us it is about looking after what we can control.
“And it is important that the players leave their baggage at the door and worry about what they can control, which is going out and playing good footy.
“And that is the most important thing because we are still in the hunt for the semi-finals.
“People have got short memories.
“We have to win four of our next six and we understand that. So this week is the start of that.”
Originally published as
McGregor steps up to defend under-fire Dragons.
I think I want to live in McGregorland too. I'd like the ability to completely dismiss everything around me. The arrogance is really quite startling
