Review finds Dragons need trusted advisor – someone like Gus
By Adrian Proszenko
September 21, 2019 — 9.48pm
Phil Gould has tabled his review into St George Illawarra, but his work at the club may not be over.
Gould and the Dragons football department have submitted their reviews following the joint-venture outfit’s 15th-placed finish, the worst in the club’s history. One of the key findings is the need to bolster the Red V brains trust to ensure coach Paul McGregor has experienced sounding boards around him. That includes creating a new ‘‘adviser’’ position, someone with the football nous and expertise to help turn the joint-venture outfit around. Someone like Gould.
While some coaches would feel threatened by the prospect of having someone of Gould’s stature involved in their organisation, McGregor welcomes the prospect. The way ‘‘Mary’’ sees it, having a premiership-winning mentor – the most successful NSW coach in State of Origin history – can only be of benefit. If Gould can’t commit to the role, other experienced football minds will be considered.
The review also suggests bringing specialist coaching consultants into the inner sanctum. Someone of the ilk of Matthew Johns, who has previously helped clubs develop playmakers, would fit the bill if available. There may also be a restructure of the roles of the assistant coaches. One of the main themes to emerge from Gould’s review is the need for the club to properly establish its culture. It became apparent there isn’t a definitive DNA that defines the Dragons.
What does it mean to pull on the Red V? What are the values the wider organisation stands for? It’s likely an outside facilitator will be engaged to help define club culture from the top down.
The need for strong foundations was highlighted when the review analysed the Jack de Belin situation. The impact of the star forward’s sexual assault charges was felt right across the club, with some of his teammates’ partners having strong opinions on the matter.
That led to some awkward situations in social settings, normally an opportunity to solidify bonds within the extended Dragons family.
The cultural issue is important, given there were no red flags raised from reviewing the Dragons’ physical performance. The injury rates over the past four years have been relatively low, while all the stats suggest the players are fit and well prepared.
The Dragons haven’t much room to move salary cap wise next year, but the need to strengthen their winger stocks was identified.
The Dragons board has now gone away to consider the review.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/re...advisor-someone-like-gus-20190921-p52tmq.html
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