Paul McGregor’s ex-NSW teammate Laurie Daley says if St George Illawarra players have any respect for their embattled coach they will put in a “ferocious” display against Cronulla in Sunday’s NRL clash.
Dragons mentor McGregor reportedly has four games to prove his worth after his NRL club’s board opted to stick with the besieged coach at a Tuesday meeting.
The board are expected to meet in a month to reassess McGregor’s future after the Dragons slumped to a 0-4 record – their worst season start since 2005.
And more pressure appears to be mounting on McGregor with reports Tristan Sailor has become the second young gun who wants to leave the joint venture.
After the board’s decision to give McGregor a reprieve, Daley said it was time the players threw their support behind the embattled coach and came out swinging against arch rivals the Sharks.
“I thought they would get a response after the criticism they received after the Warriors game (the week before),” Daley told Fox League’s NRL 360.
“But there was no response.
“I fear for the Dragons. I hope they respect their coach enough to come out with a ferocious performance against their arch rivals.”
Daley said if they were not willing to do it for their coach, the Dragons players had to find “a reason to play” quickly before their season completely went off the rails.
“You have to take pride in your own performance, and take pride in the people who support you whether it is your family or members or fans,” Daley said.
“You have got to find a reason to play. For me I look at the Dragons and their players just haven’t found a reason.”
Meanwhile, Sailor – son of former Test flyer Wendell Sailor – is asking for an immediate release in order to get a regular NRL start at another club according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
After making his NRL debut last year, the fullback has not been able to crack the Dragons side this season despite their nightmare run.
In an eventful week for McGregor, Sailor has become the latest teenager keen to leave with Jason Saab hoping to sign with another club, only to be knocked back by the Dragons.