McGregor’s finally got the Dragons he wants

Paul McGregor finally has a squad that is truly his after three-and-a-half years as St George Illawarra coach.

Coaches often talk about the fact it takes several years to assemble a squad that is moulded in their image and capable of playing to their game plan.

Since taking over midway through 2014, he has been slowly chipping away at recruitment.

The arrival of Ben Hunt and James Graham are the final pieces of the puzzle.

“As a head coach it does take probably three years to get the roster you want, unless you inherit a very good one that are in the top four, six in the competition,” McGregor said.

“We weren’t that back in ’14. I feel now that I’ve got a roster that I’m totally comfortable with.

“I think it’s the best roster the club has had in my time here.

“Those nine debutants over the last two years, they’re a good age, they’re into their second or third pre-season along with the addition of the two internationals in Ben and James.”

The 2018 pre-season has also been the club’s most settled after in late 2016 sweeping a broom through his football department and coaching staff.

The Red V faithful will get a glimpse of their best 17 in today’s exhibition match against English Super League outfit Hull FC at ANZ Stadium.

Hunt and Graham will have their first hit-outs for their new club.

The challenge for McGregor this year is consistency.

Last year the Dragons led the competition after seven rounds only to finish ninth and in 2015 they were out in front after 12 rounds, but finished eighth and bombed out in the first week of the finals.

“It’s a combination of things. You can’t say it’s one thing,” McGregor said of the inconsistency.