Mary’s a bit less contrary
By Tony Adams
THOSE close to Paul McGregor believe the pressure got to the Dragons coach last year.
The constant speculation about his job – and the team’s losing season – made McGregor an angry man who regularly fired tirades at his players and coaching staff.
However, there’s been a marked change in the coach’s demeanour in the off-season.
“He’s like a different person,” a Dragons source tells
RLW.
“He’s much calmer and more measured. Everyone has noticed.
“It’s helped in the build-up to the season. The club is a happier place and ‘Mary’ is much more focused on the job at hand.”
Star back-rower Tariq Sims has also noticed the changes.
“Last year Mary wanted to do everything and I think it got to him a bit,” Sims says.
“This year he’s delegating to his staff and just concentrating on coaching the team. I think he recognised that he took too much on last year and the pressure got to him a bit.
“He’s more composed this off-season and it’s a happier place to be as a result.
“This is a famous old club and expectations are high on us. We always seem to be under scrutiny and the supporters expect a lot of us – and we want to deliver for them. We’re happy with our preparation and think we’re set for a good season. We’re quietly confident of silencing the doubters.”
McGregor is still the favourite for first coach to be sacked this season, with the Dragons under huge pressure to turn their form around.
But he has far bigger problems to worry about, with his mother suffering a severe stroke recently.
Jean McGregor, 79, is in the critical care unit at Wollongong Hospital and the coach is spending every spare minute at her bedside.
Http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/marys-bit-less-contrary/
Isn't a proper coach supposed to shield his players from the pressure? A good coach knows his limitations and elevates as necessary. How is this guy still in charge?
