Dragons coach Paul McGregor is adamant there is no timeline on his coaching future following the club's emergency board meeting this week.
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St George Illawarra are languishing at the foot of the NRL ladder without a win in four rounds and face the Sharks on Sunday evening.
McGregor said he clarified his position following the meeting, which was brought forward to Monday after the 22-2 loss to the Bulldogs, and is adamant he has the support to turn it around without facing imminent sacking.
"That wasn't raised, I asked that question of the board and there was no time frame and nothing about cost (to terminate his contract)," McGregor said.
It is believed the Dragons face a payout of about $1 million to sack McGregor, who is contracted until the end of next year.
The Dragons face the Sharks and Titans, before a daunting fortnight against last year's grand final teams the Roosters and Raiders.
After losing to Penrith and Wests before the COVID-19 shutdown and the Warriors and Bulldogs since, if they fail to win one of their next two games, the Dragons could easily sink to an 0-8 record.
"I'm comfortable in the role I'm doing at the club and I've got the support of the players and the staff," McGregor said
It's a job that's obviously (about) results) and we're not getting the results now and I expect some pressure to come with that.
"Am I worried about things that I can't control? No.
"What I can control is the process with the players during the week and know I'm working hard and I'm disciplined to be in the present when I'm discussing anything with the players and no what happens outside."
McGregor confirmed Issac Luke will not play in Sunday's game, as he seeks a move to Brisbane, having played in three of the four Dragons games this year.
He also confirmed there will be a reshuffle in the team named on Tuesday, with Matt Dufty coming into the 17, potentially opening the door to Corey Norman returning to the halves, Ben Hunt shifting to hooker and Cameron McInnes to lock during the game.
"I'd like to keep that until tomorrow as a bit of a surprise, but Issac's not there and Duff comes into the 17," he said.
During the ongoing turmoil, McGregor denied winger Jason Saab, emerging star Tristan Sailor or Dufty were looking for the exit.
However, McGregor declared the situation with Jack de Belin, stood down by the NRL after being charged with rape, a case still yet to be heard, had to change.
Denying there was a split in the playing ranks around the issue, McGregor was adamant it's unfair the Dragons were still paying de Belin's contract without being able to play under the 'no-fault' rule implemented last year.
"This has been going on 18 months," McGregor said.
"I feel the real wrong ting in all of this is that Jack's been stood down for 18 months by the NRL but the club has to pay for it.
"When Jack got stood down by the NRL, he was one of the best three middle forwards, ball-playing forwards in the game and he's been unavailable for the club.
"The first thing is Jack's welfare and his well-being and always will be, that's not in question.
"But the NRL made the decision but we can't replace him, he's innocent until he goes to court and proved differently."
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
