HE has won five of his eight games as St George Illawarras interim coach and has received heavyweight support from the NSW State of Origin coach.
The Dragons, though, continue to stall on appointing Paul Mary McGregor to the top job permanently. Only percentages keep the Dragons out of the top eight with six rounds remaining as the wave of support for McGregor to be appointed head coach continues to grow. It is unknown whether McGregor, who has key support from the playing group, has been officially interviewed by the club yet.
Gold Coast assistant Neil Henry is in the frame while Tim Sheens and the soon-to-be former Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin has also been mentioned as an option. Henry is said to be desperately keen for another head coaching position.
McGregor is still favourite after taking over from sacked former coach Steve Price two months ago. He is a guy for whom I have great respect, victorious Blues coach Laurie Daley said last night. He has wonderful work ethic and is very diligent. His attention to detail is first class. Mary has a great rapport with players and he seeks perfection. He has worked with me on programs for Country Origin and NSW Origin since 2008. He was also an influential member of this years NSW coaching team.
I cant speak highly enough of him. He has been a highly successful coach at a number of levels. It is understood the Dragons board is waiting to see whether the side continues to succeed under McGregor or falls away leading into the finals. A former NSW, Dragons and Test centre, McGregor was not commenting on Tuesday.
There is one theory at Saints that some want a big-name coach who can attract sponsorship. They may, however, have an issue convincing the McGregor-supporting playing group of their logic.
Saints had a massive turnover of players last year and with Benji Marshalls arrival earlier this season, most of the roster is locked in for 2015. That gives the Dragons the flexibility of not having to rush into a decision due to recruitment reasons. Dragons chief executive Peter Doust was not speculating on the coaching position last night. Saints and NSW forward Trent Merrin appeared in The Daily Telegraph to declare his desire for McGregor to stay. He deserves the job, he has turned this team around and all the boys believe and trust in him, Merrin said.
Saints halfback Marshall added: The big thing is its his club and hes passionate about that. He demands perfection at training which I think a lot of these guys havent had for a long time.
Ex-Illawarra Steelers skipper Michael Bolt was another supporting McGregor.
He is by far the best candidate, Bolt said. I would back him to the hilt.
Mary shows discipline and calls a spade a spade.
McGregor is preparing his side for a big match against Sydney Roosters this Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...d-coach-position/story-fni3g9a3-1227006316041
There seems to be a big push from a number of different areas for the head coach appointment to be given to Mary. To me it appears that Mary has a few in his corner who are strongly supporting his claim for the job.
It is still my view that only the best available coach should be appointed as our head coach. Mary may score well in some areas and fall short in others. My bottom line is that we need a successful coach.