KICKOFF: The Dragons likely to check with $2 million on the table

There are as many differences as there are similarities between the two. Nathan Brown lost the playing group but not the fans. Paul McGregor has lost the faith of fans but still has the senior playing group's.

The review that's been pitched as fresh revelation this week has always loomed on the horizon at season's end. Chief executive Brian Johnston told The Mercury it was on the cards in July, and it was anything but an exclusive.

It was initially going to focus more on McGregor's staff than the head coach. It's been widely reported that Ben Hornby and Dean Young won't be returning next year.

Certainly McGregor's under more pressure than he was then and the review will put his future in sharper focus - a loss to the Titans on Saturday and it'll be razor sharp.

People once certain McGregor will be coaching next year are now merely of that opinion based on conflicting information.

Most of the discussion has been based on opinions - apologists, as your columnist has been labeled, and detractors, of which there are many, are like a broken record to each other.

To one, the Jack de Belin saga and heavy injury toll are factors, to the other they are just excuses. They are firmly held on both sides of the argument and don't require rehashing.

In such muddy waters, neither is more valid than the other. Reporters don't pay for memberships, tickets, merchandise and certainly don't hurt as deeply as Dragons fans are over a 15th placed finish.

What appears likely on current thinking, is that McGregor will remain coach with an understanding success must come swiftly next season. It's based on a number of factors.

He has support of key voices on the board and the support of senior players. Paul Vaughan spoke to that on Wednesday when asked if the group still supported their coach.

"I love him as a coach, the boys are a hundred per cent behind him," Vaughan said.

"He's done so much for me and I have to credit him and the coaching staff for everything. He's transformed my game and he's been great.

"It's disappointing that the fans and people come out and call for his head. It's a results-based thing that we're doing here but we came within two games of the grand final last year.

"You want results, I understand that, we're a proud club and this year hasn't been great, but it's hard to hear that kind of backlash."

McGregor also has a two-year contract and the club would face a $1.2 million payout if it were to sack him.

In reality the bill for that decision is at least double that, probably more, given the club would need to pay a replacement for that period. Those who sneeze at that amount are playing with house money.

Ricky Stuart has missed the finals in four of his five seasons in Canberra. Turnarounds can happen, McGregor will have a roster largely the same as the one he took to within a single point of a prelim final last year.

With a new coach things could get better, they may not. It's the same position the club is currently in with McGregor, but one comes with a significantly heftier price tag.

Garth Brennan was once in the same "next up" seat Adam O'Brien and Craig Fitzgibbon are currently occupying.

Fitzgibbon quickly withdrew from the race to replace Brown at Newcastle and it's fairly common knowledge that it would take a hugely enticing offer to lure him away from the Roosters. Same deal with Melbourne assistant Jason Ryles.

Shane Flanagan is another name touted should the axe fall, but the NRL doesn't look like rubber-stamping his return any time soon.

It won't please fans but, with more than $2 million on the table, the club looks likely to check and wait on the dealer.