ST GEORGE Illawarra coach Paul McGregor is on track to become the joint-venture's longest serving coach, with the club confirming a contract extension for the next two years.
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The 51-year-old club great has penned a deal that will extend his tenure to seven seasons at the helm, taking the club to the finals two of four campaigns.
The new deal will also end what would have been prolonged speculation around McGregor's future throughout the 2019 campaign and allow him to focus on the campaign at hand that currently sits at 3-2 after five rounds.
"To have a good focus and purpose for the next two seasons is really comforting," McGregor said.
"To my extended family, in the players and staff, I feel very fortunate to be able to continue working with such quality people," McGregor said.
"The enjoyment I get out of coaching this proud club is something I look forward to every day.
"There is still a real appreciation of what 2019 is to bring too. My players are always my first priority and their needs come before anything else.
"There have been positive signs already. Team cohesion is strong and performance is spirited. We've had our challenges with the draw's scheduling but our game is growing and we keep improving which is the important part."
Dragons chief executive Brian Johnston said the decision to re-sign McGregor was one made on the basis of several factors.
"Paul's retention has come down to more than just the football played on the field," Johnston said.
"Paul is a values-driven, team-first individual who is at the forefront of personal development for both he and his players.
"A testament of this is the number of Dragons who have achieved higher representative honours and those to have successfully debuted under Paul's tutelage, as well as the club's improved results in recent seasons.
"Paul's emotional intelligence and man management attributes are key to him being well-respected throughout the playing group and the club's staff in its entirety, which is another crucial reason for his extension."
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