St George Illawarra coach Steve Price has been sacked by the Dragons.
Price’s assistant Paul McGregor will take over the position until at least the end of the season.
The Dragons have slumped to six losses in their past seven games to be 13th on the ladder after a promising season start of three straight wins which had them on top.
Former assistant Price took over the reins for the start of the 2012 season when Wayne Bennett departed for Newcastle, having brought a long-sought premiership title to the joint venture in 2010.
However he was unable to bring similar success.
The Dragons finished ninth in 2012 and 14th last year, meaning Price was under big pressure to succeed this year following some big name signings including Josh Dugan and Gareth Widdop, with former Tigers star Benji Marshall also linking with the club a fortnight ago.
Dragons prop Trent Merrin spoke warmly of Price when informed of his impending departure in the NSW Origin camp in Brisbane.
“It’s come as a surprise and I am very sorry to hear it,” said Merrin.
“I have worked with him for a long time and not only is he a coach, he is also a mate.”
“Steve Price has been involved at our Club for over 13 years. He is a person of the highest integrity who has contributed enormously to our Club in so many ways throughout this time,” said Dragons CEO Peter Doust.
“Unfortunately team performance and results have not met the required standards, particularly this season, despite a refresh of performance management strategies and structure, at the end of last year, and a significant change to the playing roster.
“Whilst we can never predict the future, the Board determined that change was required for the balance of the 2014 season.
“The Club greatly appreciates and respects the commitment and work ethic that Steve has displayed at all times,” added Doust.
Price indicated that he was grateful his opportunities at the Dragons.
“I am grateful for the opportunities that the Dragons have provided me over all my years associated with the Club and would like to thank all involved,” said Price. “I’d like to wish Paul and the playing group all the very best”.
McGregor indicated that it was a difficult time and situation for everyone at the Dragons.
“The Board wanted the change to be as simple as possible for the players and for their sake I agreed,” said McGregor. “This is a difficult situation for me, Steve Price is a good friend of mine and we have worked closely together and I would have liked us to work through these tough times as one.
“This change will be a new challenge for the players to face but we have a good football team and good group of men”.
With AAP
Western Fuglie
Guest
I hope you guys sign Sheens too worlds biggest, he will get you guys competitive enough for fair weatherd fans to return only to rip your hearts out with team in fighting due to preferential treatment to Bunji...... Been on that roller coaster bud!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
The first number Doust should be calling is Tim Sheens. I'd also break the bank to get Peter O'Sullivan. The Dragons recruitment has been very ordinary for a number of seasons.
Muzz
Guest
That's a bit harsh,Dragons just picked up 2 points this round : ) He should take Ben Creagh with him.
Julian King
Roar Guru
Brown has ruled himself out of the running for a Dragons return. Doust had the option to sign Bennett for 5 years, but opted for 3. Another misjudgement by the CEO. Bennett has moved on from St. George-Illawarra. He won them their premiership. Laurie Daley has been mooted but he was assisting in the Brown era, so his pedigree is questionable. Let's see how he goes with NSW first. Neil Henry appears to be the frontrunner. Jason Taylor I suspect will put up his hand too. On one level I feel for Price. He seems a decent guy who has the esteem of the playing group. That being said, in two-and-half years we've shown no sign of improvement, so clearly something was amiss. No one is bigger than the club, let alone a proud and demanding one like the Dragons.
jamesb
Guest
All the best to Price. Not easy getting the sack. We have all been there. As for long term replacement, would it be a slap in the face if they went back to Nathan Brown?
casper
Guest
So the coach is a dud but the guy who's been his offsider in all the pre-season planning & week to week coaching sessions has all the answers? Didn't take Benji long to put his stamp on the place, did it? Maybe it's the old adage, easier to sack one coach than half a dozen underperforming & overpaid players. These lower profile coaches never recover from the sacking (ask Mark Murray/Ivan Henjak) but the high profile guys live to fight another day (Tim Sheens). Bennett won't go back there, he got the result they were crying out for & any talent they had has moved on. Bennett wouldn't coach Benji, doesn't tolerate the show pony ego's. He'll be busy with Kevvie Walters at the Broncos when they sack Griffin once they hit the wall later in the year. I reckon Bennett would see the potential in Milford magic plus a couple of imports added to their up and coming young backs (Nikorima brothers/Ashley Taylor/Jordan Drew) to fit around a reasonable forward pack of Thaiday, McCullough, McGuire, Gillett, Parker, Glenn & others supplemented by fresh faces (e.g. Corey Oates/Fraces Molo/Jay Ofahengaue/Ajuna Adams). Barba will settle in next season & maybe Kennedy will come good. Centre is the spot they need to strengthen, with ack Reed a bit slow and Dale Copley slotted in to replace Hodgo.
Danwain
Guest
Its about time, should be interesting to see just how bad he was, or if the players are just useless...
PGNEWC
Guest
Maybe they're Clearing the Decks for taking back Wayne Bennet? Tinklers Departure means that Bennet can exercise his opt out clause in his contract with Newcastle
Charles NSW
Guest
I feel sorry for Steve Price it is not all his fault! For example for years we kept saying that the Dragons need to get another 1/2 back in when Hornby was to retire. They did not do that and left Price with a problem from the very start. I feel there are a lot more problems with management for the Dragons to fix their problems. Perhaps a change of coach may help I certainly hope so.
Mac
Guest
A bit surprised he wasn't given a few games atleast with Benji now there to see if what he could get out of him...
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
It's a get out clause. One he is assured that the Raiders will be getting the wooden spoon, something Price was unable to achieve, Doust knows that he needs Stuart to get something to show how pitiful the Dragons team has been over the past few years.
Western Fuglie
Guest
In a week that will be as good as it gets for Ricky Stuart good luck to price, he seemed a nice guy out of his depth tactically and was heaps of mileage to stirrers like my self to die hard steelers fans.as for Grant Mayer please re sign Mick Potter ASAP because quality coach stocks are plummeting
Squidward
Roar Rookie
At least he's taking being fired on the chin...
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Feel for Price and his family, it's a brutal business coaching in any pro sport. He's a good man and hope he catches on with another club somewhere as an assistant.
Dragoon
Guest
Price was not their problem; getting rid of those numpties Doust and Craig Young would have been more advisable!
The eye
Guest
That 2nd 1/2 last game against Parra cut to the bone..pleased Mary got it.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Not sure why the Dragons have sacked the coach instead of the crepe paper forward pack, have any of their forwards besides Merrin and Creagh even run 100M in a game this year?
peeeko
Roar Guru
No dragons supporters I know were saying that.
gary mason
Guest
Once more Peter Doust has shown his astute rugby league management skills by sacking the coach he enthusiastically appointed (shades of the 6 unsuccessful years of his Nathan Brown love affair). The truth is - if Wayne Bennett hadn't been upset by North Queensland's rejection and the Roosters breach of trust, Doust's reign over the Dragons would be seen for what it is - an ongoing disaster! Stand down from the football side of things Peter and let someone with a little more rugby league nous choose our next coach.
Odds Checker
Guest
Ripping up my wooden spoon ticket...damn!!