denis preston
First Grade
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Dragons kick off talks with McGregor over next contract
https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/02/06...-talks-with-paul-mcgregor-over-next-contract/
Discussions have begun about extending Paul McGregor’s tenure as St George Illawarra coach beyond the end of this season.
In a show of faith in the coach, NRL.com understands the Dragons have decided to begin negotiations with McGregor before a ball has even been kicked, with some at the club hopeful of finalising a deal before St George Illawarra open their campaign against the Cowboys in Townsville on March 16.
McGregor, who is off contract at the end of this year, was under enormous pressure following his team’s mid-season slump last season but he may have done enough in a gallant run through the finals to secure his future.
While the Dragons believe McGregor is the right man to lead the club beyond 2019, it has been suggested by some at the club that perhaps they should wait eight to 10 weeks into the season before extending his term.
It’s expected McGregor’s contract extension, and the timing of when it is signed, will be a talking point at the club’s next board meeting.
McGregor, who began his NRL coaching career with the Dragons in 2014, will eclipse Nathan Brown as the longest serving coach in the joint venture’s history if he remains at the helm beyond this year.
The former NSW and Australian representative has an impressive record when it comes to the first half of seasons, however the criticism of the Dragons coach has been a tendency for his team to fall away as they approach the pressure-cooker matches heading into the playoffs.
Last year wasn’t the only season the Dragons have capitulated after a strong start. They won six of their first seven games in 2017 (finished ninth) and eight of their first 11 games in 2015 (finished 8th).
The Dragons have lost a number of players over the off-season, but the acquisition of Corey Norman and Korbin Sims has them in a strong position to challenge for a premiership in McGregor’s sixth season in charge.
The bloody article answered it's own question ! Why would you resign when nobody else is after him !! Longest serving coach with 1 semi final win !! We have time on our hands so use it With this squad anything other than top 4 is a failure.