Paul McGregor signs two-year deal to remain coach of St George Illawarra until 2019

PAUL McGregor has put an end to six months of uncertainty by remaining head coach of St George-Illawarra until the end of 2019.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor speaks during a press conference after the St George Dragons v Cronulla Sharks rugby league game at Jubilee Oval, Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

PAUL McGregor has put an end to six months of uncertainty by remaining head coach of St George-Illawarra until the end of 2019 after inking a new two-year deal with the club.

Beginning 2017 without a deal for next season, a relieved McGregor informed the entire playing roster of the positive news during Wednesday’s training session in Wollongong.

The Dragons hierarchy ensured months of speculation over McGregor’s future could be resolved by formalising a deal over the last 24-hours which reflects the 49 year-old’s outstanding effort to inject new life into the Red-V.

Currently sitting third on the NRL ladder after 13-rounds, the Dragons have enjoyed their best results at the halfway point of a season in two years.

Paul McGregor to remain Dragons coach for a further two years. Picture: Brett Costello

Having failed to make last year’s finals in 11th position, McGregor accepted the club’s decision to undergo a comprehensive review at the end of last season.

As a result of the review, St George Dragons legend Mark Coyne was appointed to be part of a four-person committee signed to improve the club’s high performance.

McGregor also relinquished the role of recruitment.

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He began the year hopeful — but far from confident — that as result of the player’s increased fitness levels, coupled with the arrival of talented hooker Cameron McInnes and hard-running prop Paul Vaughan, that he could show the Dragons hierarchy why he deserved to be retained beyond this season.

News of the contract extension caps an emotional and agonising week for McGregor, who sadly lost his mother Jean, to a stroke last weekend.

The Dragons are expected to announce McGregor’s new deal tomorrow ahead of their pubic holiday Monday clash with Canterbury at ANZ Stadium.