Dragons coach Paul McGregor arrested on drink driving charge

ST GEORGE Illawarra have been issued with a warning notice for failing to declare that coach Paul McGregor was charged with low-range drink driving last Sunday.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor. Picture: Gregg Porteous

• Robbo and Mary in heated post-match exchange

ST GEORGE Illawarra have been issued with a warning notice for failing to declare to the NRL that coach Paul McGregor had been charged with low-range drink driving last Sunday.

McGregor was pulled over in Wollongong at 8.47am on the day before the Dragons beat the Sydney Roosters 20-18 in their Anzac Day clash. He failed a roadside breath analysis and was taken to Wollongong police station where he recorded a reading of 0.06.

The NRL was unaware of McGregor’s indiscretion until it was revealed in the media on Thursday, more than four days laster.

The Dragons released a statement saying they had sanctioned McGregor and handed him a heavy, although undisclosed, fine.

McGregor has admitted his “error of judgment”.

McGregor has not been stood down from his coaching duties and is expected to travel to Auckland for Sunday’s away clash with the New Zealand Warriors.

“Paul informed management at the time of the incident and the matter was dealt with internally,” Dragons chief executive Peter Doust said. “The Dragons have today provided the NRL with a full report.

“Paul has been sanctioned by the club, heavily fined and he understands that his actions contravene his responsibilities as head coach.”

The NRL warned the Dragons for failing to notify the governing body of McGregor’s charge. An NRL spokesman confirmed they had received the Dragons’ report and will assess the club’s findings, but it’s believed they will not seek further punishment for the 48-year-old.

McGregor said he had enjoyed a few drinks at a charity event on the day prior to his arrest, which came nine hours after his last drink.

“I made a real poor error of judgment after having a good day out at a charity event and spending some time with my family at home on the Saturday night on our day off,” McGregor said in a video posted on the Dragons’ website.

“I got a decent sleep and it was nine hours between my drink and my drive. I was in total disbelief at the reading given the time frame between my last drink and the incident.

“I’m extremely disappointed with myself and totally understand the problems that can and could have arisen from my poor decision.

“It was a mistake, a gross error of judgment and one that I deeply regret”.

It’s been a tumultuous week for McGregor, who became involved in a heated exchange with Trent Robinson on Monday after taking exception to the Roosters coach’s claims some of his players feigned injuries during the Dragons’ win at Allianz Stadium.

On Wednesday, McGregor again defended his players against claims his players laid down to earn penalties.

“It was a sign of a frustrated man after the game,” he said. “I’m annoyed.

“I don’t stand in front of the players and talk about staying on the ground because of the bunker. Not once.”