A disappointing 2016 season and the departure of former first grade assistant and premiership-winning Illawarra Cutters coach Jason Demetriou saw an off-season shake-up of the club’s coaching and performance staff.

Club greats Dean Young and Ben Hornby will continue to assist coach Paul McGregor with the first grade squad while former Dragons halfback Mat Head was rewarded for his efforts in steering the club’s NYC side to the preliminary final with a promotion to replace Demetriou as Cutters coach.

He’ll also assist with the first grade squad alongside new NYC coach, and former premiership winning assistant to South coach Michael Maguire, Wayne Collins.

Former club physio Nathan Pickworth has replaced longtime performance head Tony Ayoub while the club has also brought in two new strength and conditioning coaches in Andrew Rondinelli and Alex Clarke.

Ian Millward will continue his role as director of rugby league pathways overseeing the club’s recruitment and retention alongside recruitment manager David Warwick while Ben Haran will continue in his role as executive manager of football.

“All the coaches and performance staff are refreshed and excited about 2017 as are the players,” McGregor said.

“We left no stone un-turned in our review of 2016 and have implemented changes for 2017 which we believe, combined with new additions to our squad, will ensure an improved performance all round."