But it's only the beginning for St George Illawarra as Paul McGregor's review turns into a significant playing roster shake-up to correct a salary cap imbalance.

Here are five things McGregor and the Dragons faithful will need to consider before kick-off in 2015.

With the Dragons about half a million over the salary cap, it forced McGregor's hand in making some difficult decisions.

While McGregor is direct in his approach as a coach, he had no choice but to make some big calls, with respected director of recruitment Peter Mulholland now in charge of managing the situation.

Morris's exit brings the Dragons' salary cap under control, but there will be plenty of announcements to come as McGregor shapes the roster the way he wants.

The problem is, because of the timing of his full-time appointment to the job late this season, the market was bare when it came to chasing players for next year, particularly in the forwards.

As a result, McGregor can only make a limited, short-term affect and will have to focus on making 2016 the year his plans are fully implemented.

So now that NSW No 1 Jarryd Hayne's chasing the American dream, will Josh Dugan suddenly find himself back at fullback for the Dragons next season?

Dugan's move to right centre this year was designed by McGregor - as a member of Laurie Daley's coaching staff - to solve an issue for NSW at centre while Hayne held a mortgage on the No 1 jersey.

But with Hayne in the US in the hope of making a career in the NFL, Dugan's future could well be at fullback once more, as doubt remains about the futures of Gerard Beale and Adam Quinlan.

Beale, possibly destined for the Gold Coast, has shown signs of reaching his full potential, but may always be in Dugan's shadow by staying at the Dragons.

Dragons and Bulldogs supporters enjoyed the playful banner banter between them by declaring they had "The Better Morris" at their club.

Now St George Illawarra have neither Morris, so it will be interesting to see how Brett will be welcomed when the Dogs and Dragons meet next season.

Some fans still love him, others are angered by him seeking a release.

Sam Perrett was a safe option at fullback for the Bulldogs this year, but Brett looks set to make the switch from the wing.

Presumably, Morris has sought assurances about his State of Origin future on the wing for NSW if he plays fullback for the Bulldogs.

Given his heroics in playing on with a busted shoulder to help the Blues on the path to their first victory in nine years, it's hard to see Morris missing out next year.

The Dragons' search to add weight to their pack has taken them to Melbourne - and to jail.

The club is expected to sign former Manly prop George Rose from the Storm and ex-Warriors forward Russell Packer when he completes his prison term for assault.

"Everyone keeps telling me we need a front-rower, so we must [get one]," McGregor said in August.

What will become clearer in coming weeks is who makes way for their impending arrival, provided the NRL registers Packer's contract.

Dan Hunt was one player who looked on the way out, but it now appears he will remain at the club, while Jack Stockwell is set to join Newcastle.

Finalising Trent Merrin's future must be St George Illawarra's top priority.

After Morris's exit, there will be a risk of burning effigies at public demonstrations if Merrin joins the Roosters, or any other NRL club in 2016.

There was considerable frustration after Steve Price's sacking, with the club unable to make strategic contractual decisions while they chased Wayne Bennett to return to Wollongong.

Keeping Merrin would boost belief about the Dragons' direction and quieten some of the dismay over Morris's exit.