St George Illawarra star James Graham has taken aim at Dragons fans bringing banners to NRL games calling for coach Paul McGregor’s head.
Graham was not happy after it emerged a supporter was denied entry to their last round clash with Sydney Roosters armed with an “unregistered banner”.
Pictures on social media showed the fan outside the stadium with a “Step Down McGregor” banner.
“I don’t know if it’s the right environment to express those views,” Graham told Fox Sports’ NRL 360.
“I think as a supporter you’re supposed to go and support your team fundamentally, and if there’s another issue there then look at different avenues to express those view points.
“You’re supposed to go and support your team. Those types of banners I don’t think help our cause in a positive way.”
McGregor has earned the ire of disgruntled fans after the Dragons’ horror 2019 season, slumping to second last on the ladder with two rounds left.
But Graham backed McGregor, saying “the guy can coach”.
“He loves that club. He doesn’t want to coach anywhere else. He wants to be there and coach this club because he cares out the club,” he said.
“I think what you look for when being a good coach is you want to see players and individuals improve.
“Paul Vaughan, two or three years ago was playing in the reserves in Mounties for Canberra.
“Paul McGregor brings him in and turns him into one of the best front-rowers in the competition.
“Tariq Sims is another example. Paul McGregor brings him in and turns him into an Origin backrower.
“Corey Norman never played Origin until he was under McGregor’s stewardship – the guy can coach.”