Problems only beginning for Dragons coach Paul McGregor

Paul McGregor’s future at St George Illawarra coach has been secure, but the Dragons coach faces an enormous challenge to right the ship after another disappointing season.

• Monday Buzz: McGregor’s Dragons future sealed

• More Buzz: Fears referees will blow it in NRL finals

Paul McGregor can breathe a sigh of relief over his immediate future — but his problems are really only just beginning.

Despite fans calling for a coaching overhaul, The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield reported that McGregor’s future has been sealed following a club review.

“I didn’t think McGregor was in any danger all along because he’s got a two-year contract,” The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Crawley said on the Monday Bunker.

“To get rid of him they have to pay him out a year and a half and they haven’t got the money.”

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Dragons coach Paul McGregor. Picture: AAP

After starting 2019 with hopes of challenging for the title, the Dragons’ season fell apart and they finished 15th on the ladder ahead of only wooden spooners Gold Coast.

And despite earning the right to guide the Dragons into 2020, McGregor faces an enormous challenge to right the ship

“Mary’s problem still goes back to the roster,” Crawley said.

“They’ve got question marks over Matt Dufty, they’re losing Gareth Widdop so Corey Norman’s going back into the halves.

“I don’t think that their centres — Tim Lafai and Euan Aitken — are the answer.

“They’re going into next season with the same problems.”

Matt Dufty’s Dragons future is up in the air. Picture: Getty Images

Things only get tougher for St George Illawarra supporters, with the form of an ex-Dragons junior showing them what might have been.

“It must really hurt Dragons fans to watch Reuben Garrick do his thing at the Sea Eagles, he was amazing this year,” The Daily Telegraph’s Fatima Kdouh said.

“And on top of that he’s a goalkicker. How they let him go …”

Originally published as Problems only beginning for Dragons coach Paul McGregor