Hail Mary: Dragons should sign McGregor long-term

The Dragons don't need a coach who is perceived by the players as a good guy. Correct Paul McGregor is a good guy, so was Steve Price and so was Nathan Brown however, this doesn't win grandfinals. Lets face it we had taste of it in 2010 after a very long dry spell, It's in Peter Doust interest to employ Wayne Bennet on a 3 year deal, he's a proven performer who will once again get us the results we deserve!

I never said you must have passion to win. I just think if you have a passion for your team then it helps.

A quick history lesson, no coach promoted internally has made a grand final for the Dragons in the last 30 years. Masters, Smith, Waite & Bennett were all brought in externally so that discounts the "bleeds for the red v theory". Mary has done ok but The Red Wiggle would of improved this team after Price.His true worth as a coach will be the rest of the seasons results. So far he has beaten; titans - had lost 5 straight at the time Sharks - reserve grade team that como b grade would beat Storm - granted a good win Cowboys - can't win away and missing plenty. Mary should be a caretaker only.

Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

True of course, but what lesson can we take from that? Dump successful coaches in case they turn unsuccessful later? McGregor is a good deal more experienced and older than Fittler was when he became coach. I think he also has an undeniable grounded 'presence' (for want of a better word) that Fittler, legendary player though he was, could still not match. My personal opinion is that they should give him a full season. That comes from the initial view that he's not bad and deserves a chance but also because I don't believe there are any standouts waiting around. Bennett and Sheens are both getting on and there's no guarantee either will work magic - Sheens especially is sitting on an old reputation (in the last 2 decades his teams have more often been on vacation by September and he's been out of the club grind for a while now). My point is McGregor is a bit of a risk but no more so than any of the other contenders, why not give him a proper go?

James, an interesting hypothesis but the world of sport can throw up so many examples of people who demonstrate very little passion. Wayne Bennett has never been accused of being passionate. Stone faced, taciturn, miserable and with the demeanour of an undertaker, but never passionate. His teams all play with passion though, so go figure. Bjorn Borg was known as "ice Bjorg" or "ice man", because of his nerveless and dispassionate style. Didn't stop him winning Wimbledon five times. If passion can be harnessed and used in the right way it can be helpful, equally it can lead to poor decision making and execution when it is out of control (think Zidanes headbutt, Geyer's shoulder charge).

Few things to remember here: - Steve Price didn't have the backing of players. His coaching style and decision making process was clearly against the grain and there was zero trust and faith from the players. Last year they were woeful and losing Jamie Soward in such a poor way made me angry. - McGregor made a few adjustments to the lineup that to be fair were common sense decisions. Dropping Price's surrogate love child Nathan Green was the easiest of decisions. But the real change was the effort, commitment and belief the players had once he took control. I was FUMING when we signed everyone EXCEPT a forward! But after seeing what the boys can do in recent weeks I'm really impressed and take my hat off. - McGregor has a business in the Gong, doesn't want the full time investment required to be head coach, and has said he's not interested in being the long term coach. The Dragons have to do their due diligence because there's every chance he'll say no to stay on next year. BUT for the most part I think he's great and hope he stays :)

I think that Paul McGregor can fill the role admirably! Why not? He has been coaching, he is one of our own, he is putting the effort in and the boys like him. Put him in for the rest of this season and next year and see how he goes. The boys say he is hard with them and that is what you want.

When Brad Fittler coached Easts as interim coach for the last seven or so games they won six in a row,we know how that finished up.

Agree there, But I personally believe passion helps with determination to be the best which some teams simply just need. Look at the Sharks for example, Paul Sharp was criticised by Paul Gallen for having little passion and determination to take the team to it's best, and about a week later Paul Sharp steps down. Having admitted he didn't want the job at the start of the season he was doing no good for the Sharks and they were stuck in a downhill spiral of going nowhere. I also believe the issue many of my fellow Dragons supporters had with Steve Price was he acted like he barely wanted to see improvement, we all felt like we were going nowhere. Part of this argument was due to his lack of passion and personal drive, only when scared about being sacked, Price then suddenly showed a high level of passion for the squad, but it was too late.

Passion has little to do with experience and ability, generally teams bounce back after a mid year coach sacking. While I take nothing away from Mcgregor maybe a experienced head coach to guide him through the top job (maybe in the role of coaching director) might be a good move

McGregor still has a little more to do before the end of the season. The games against Manly next up and Roosters will be the real tests for Dragons to get to the 8. McGregor looks good, but that is comparison to Steve Price, who all the same players were also supporting. Benji Marshall has given the whole team a confidence boost and they are now supporting attacking players and holding the ball and above all trying hard in defence. Part of this change is no doubt attributable to McGregor and part is dead cat bounce. So lets just see what the rest of the season brings.

Agreed!