St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has defended himself amid speculation his days are numbered following a poor start to the season with the Dragons.
After a disastrous 2019 season where they finished second last, two straight losses in 2020 have done nothing to ease pressure on McGregor.
While the competition is suspended due to the coronavirus, former coach Wayne Bennett has been linked to a return to the Dragons where he won the 2010 NRL premiership.
But it’s not the first time McGregor has had to deal with critics calling for his axing and after six years as head coach at a club that demands success, he is used to it.
“They don’t know me personally or professionally so I don’t give the negative stuff too much oxygen to be honest,” he told The Big Sports Breakfast on Tuesday.
“The players and the club that see me on a daily basis know what I’m about and those who know what I do respect what I do.
“There’s always going to be a conversation around if there’s someone better or who’s available or he’s needs to go, I get that. I understand everyone is not going to be happy.”
However, it’s believed time is running out for McGregor following a disastrous 2019 that finished with a review of the football department and the club’s handling of Jack de Belin’s rape charge.
The Dragons have made the finals twice in the past five seasons, but there are doubts McGregor is the man to bring success to the club.
“We need to be better, we understand that. There were a lot of circumstances around the 2019 season.
“Our rounds 1 and 2 this year, we were in the game to win the game, we led the games at different stages but we didn’t win. So that escalates the spotlight on myself.
“You’ve got to focus on what’s next and that’s the next game we’re able to play and what can be gained from it.
“The critics will always be there. I respect that they have an opinion and they like to voice it, but I don’t have to listen to it.”
Compounding the issue is the loss of Tyson Frizell to Newcastle next season after the NSW and Australia star said he wants to win a premiership before he retires.
McGregor said he is disappointed and saddened to be losing the cornerstone of his pack who has been developed by the hard work of the Dragons coaching staff.
“It’s very hard to see a player like that walk out of your organisation but in saying that we are a professional sport and you don’t always get what you want,” McGregor said.
“I wish him all the best because he’s been a great player at the club and he’s still got the season to finish at the Saints with us before he starts that journey.
“I’m not sure whether that contract has been registered by the NRL yet or how that works but he’s always welcome to stay if he likes.”