Following another fade-out, the St. George Illawarra Dragons have promised fans to never sign another coach again.
Club officials believe they have “really learnt their lesson this time” after they derailed another promising campaign with a negligent show of faith in a coach.
Paul McGregor’s side was cruising earlier in the year, with their assured performances unfairly promising fans a return to September action. However, the club flinched in Round 13 and bizarrely granted him a contract extension, citing prolonged displays of ability as reasons for the decision.
From this point, the Dragons struggled with the stability and never recovered.
This deadly stamp of approval for McGregor evoked memories of 2013, when the club rushed to secure Steve Price after he guided them to a half-time lead.
The decision ultimately thwarted a three-game winning streak, before sparking a tragic chain of events resulting in the Sharks’ premiership and the closure of the Kogarah Sizzler.
McGregor’s situation this year was eerily similar to Price’s, with even Josh Dugan reported AWOL for a period of Price’s tenure – possibly all of it.
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However, Dragons powerbrokers have grown tired of their own decision-making and will make changes to avoid similar disasters in future. Not only will they constitute against contract extensions for coaches, but the recruitment of coaches altogether.
Officials believe had they embargoed coaches earlier, they could’ve avoided failed grand finals under Brian Smith and the impregnable shambles left by Wayne Bennett.
In addition, they wouldn’t have wasted spectacular talent had they steered clear of Nathan Brown, while Anthony Mundine would’ve surely given-off in a world without David Waite and Andrew Farrar.
Despite the move’s absurd overtones, officials are said to be excited by the prospect of not working with coaches.
One official confirmed the club will begin by “downsizing” the role because “it is now a small, tokenistic part of the club, like the Illawarra”.
“Additionally, not only will avoiding coaches insure against acute mid-season declines, it will streamline costly and time-consuming contract processes by having no contracts at all,” he added.
“And it’s all thanks to simply banning the hyphen in ‘re-signing’, and the ‘signing’ part too.”
While the new model is yet to be determined, it is likely Peter Doust will appoint himself director of coaching, with the hands-on role remotely outsourced to the Philippines.
Despite the revenue saved on a coach’s salary, the Dragons are still expected to exceed the football department cap on support staff for Ben Hunt’s wallet.
Gary Ryan
Guest
Just read this article about Dragons vowing to never sign another coach and Doust to make him self head of this area . Please Please no, keep Doust out back in his office the least he has to do with things the better . I personally think Mary has gone ok , just needs to be more flexible with game plans . My criticism is with our forwards defence , any team in the NRL can make 50 to 60 meters every time they take the ball up the middle. Attack was good, but absolutely no mongrel in defence , hope James Graham can I still this in our mostly lazy forwards
Robert read
Guest
So if this is true what is happening to Mary is his contract going to be cancelled but to his failure to get the DRAGONS into the finals, or are the fans going to have to put up with the same in 2018. Surely there are real coaches out there who can actually coach . This club has a deep tradition on playing finals the fans ,the club demand it but the coaches havent delivered the goods. Its niw time to change the loosing atmosphere the fans and players niw demand results
Mike Gordon
Roar Rookie
I'm looking forward to the much needed, and obviously lacking, mongrel dog Graham will bring to the Dragons or will that be nullified?
Wild Eagle
Guest
As a Manly fan who has just witnessed his team getting mauled twice this season by the Dragons I have to confess I have never really enjoyed watching them play for some reason. Not because they flogged us but I find their style just a bit predictable. The opposition team I tend to enjoy the most has possibly been the Rooters over the years and they have been rewarded with a few titles with this style. It may be biased but I have enjoyed some of the Eagles tries this year as much as any from the past and maybe their style is most similar to the Rooters. Saints need to be careful that they don't turn into next years Bulldogs with no flair and no hope.
WOMBAT
Guest
That's the whole problem, lack of expectation. good teams expect to finish in Top 4, anything less is an unsuccessful season. Dragons need to change the culture of expectation in the club, regardless of where journalists predict they will finish.
Matto Dragon
Roar Rookie
They will never win the comp with McGregor in charge. He continues with one game plan all season, whether it works or not. By Round 8 every coach in the comp, other than Manly knew how to counter McGregor's plan A. We started losing because he had no plan B. He should be sacked now and Geoff Toovey brought in. The ill discipline wouldn't have happened under him.
Patrick Logan
Roar Rookie
Ben Hunts a ripper, and while Dugan may be a loss, James Graham is another big buy. Might be old but he`s timeless like Gallen or Smith.
Patrick Logan
Roar Rookie
I agree, hot tipped to finish last, Mary should be proud of his boys and more importantly the boys should be grateful for Mary. Another coach change will result in Dragons not winning for another ten years at least.
AGordon
Guest
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what factor(s) caused the mighty Dragons the miss the 8; Whiddop running hot & cold, the "Duggan" factor, injuries & illness (losing Euan Aitken was a blow) and a noticeable change in play in the forwards ( the last few games, most guys looked very tired early on in games). In any event Mary managed the side into 9th place with a 50% win/loss record. If I'd been offered that at the start if the season as a result, I'd have taken it for sure. Lots to look forward to in 2018
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Good one Dane, always look forward to your articles....'Ben Hunt's wallet' line is having me in stitches, hehe
Lance Skelton
Roar Pro
I don't know how much you can lay the blame on McGregor for the Dragons fading so badly this season. Personally, I think McGregor is doing alright, and he made a tough but right call on Dugan two weeks ago when he was stood down for missing the team bus. I think this season comes down to not having enough depth as a squad and being too reliant on Widdop to guide the team around the park. Widdop is a very good player, but his kicking game can be hot and cold. The addition of Ben Hunt next season will make the team less predictable, and give their opposition something else to think about. The Dragons played some great footy this year, and while they missed the finals it's probably the best season they've had for awhile.
Gurudoright
Guest
I'm a little disappointed with the Dragons after the start they had in the first half of the season. But if I'm really honest with myself I thought before the season started they would finish in the bottom four. The season was not a complete loss, I took my 4 year old to his first Dragons game. A victory at Penrith a few weeks back helps to install the Dragons religion into him.
Farqueue
Guest
Thank you for using your talents on my club. Always appreciate your pieces. Tough last few years for the dragons but i will always support. Roll on 2018.