Former Dragon Gorden Tallis says St George Illawarra coach Steve Price is trying to impersonate Wayne Bennett

ST GEORGE Illawarra's rookie coach, Steve Price, has been told to stop trying to impersonating legendary Wayne Bennett.

ST GEORGE Illawarra's rookie coach, Steve Price, was last night told to stop trying to impersonating legendary Wayne Bennett.

The Daily Telegraph also understands Dragons management is becoming increasingly frustrated with the club's modest performances and a lack of ability to attract big name players.

Saints play an injury hit Gold Coast at WIN Stadium tonight - where a loss could send them tumbling six competition points outside the top eight. The Dragons have lost five of their past six games and have won just six matches all season.

Gorden Tallis, who played 54 games for St George between 1992 and 1995, said that Price must start start "being himself."

"He is trying to be someone he's not," Tallis told The Daily Telegraph. "If you close your eyes and listen to his voice at press conferences, he is trying to impersonate Wayne Bennett. He needs to do the best for himself. He needs to be himself and the players will see that."

Tallis also questioned the playing style this year.

"There are two different Saints sides. They don't seem to know their style," he said. "They are all over the shop and it's an ageing roster.

"Why take the fun out of coaching? I think he has to back himself more and have some fun. Their best side is still very good and when they get it right, they are good enough to beat any side in the competition."

There were reports during the week that Saints chief executive Peter Doust called Price to a one-on-one discussion about the club's struggling season.

Doust though denied this, while Price preferred not to comment when contacted yesterday.

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