McGregor backs Graham as veteran's St George Illawarra exit looms

The Dragons revealed on Wednesday the veteran prop is in negotiations with St Helens for an immediate return home to play out the remainder of his career.

While the club won't stand in his way, they will only grant Graham a release once a suitable replacement has been signed.

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That means the 34-year-old will line up in Saturday's clash with the Gold Coast and McGregor is expecting another committed performance from the forward.

"He'll definitely play this week," McGregor said. "He's all in.

"Certainly I know what James will give us on the football field and that will be an all-in performance.

"The conversation I had with James, it's pretty simple, he wants to finish his career where he started, back at St Helens.

"He's got the remainder of the year to do that. An opening come due to the player that's gone to Canterbury (Luke Thompson), James has requested a release and the rest has already been said."

The Dragons are chasing a middle forward to fill the gap that will be left by Graham's departure.

The absence of Jack de Belin has played into the concerns over a lack of depth through the middle, the lock currently stood down under the NRL's no-fault stand down policy.

De Belin will return to court on Monday and while excitement is starting to build that he could make a swift return to the field, such an outcome is unlikely.

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McGregor acknowledged a comeback would provide a major boost to the struggling franchise, however he said there will be no repeat of the events in Mudgee last year if those hopes are dashed.

With the Dragons preparing to face the Knights, de Belin had his Federal Court appeal of the stand down policy dismissed, the players' hopes of lining up alongside their teammate dashed.

Some players were so rattled they considered boycotting the match, which the side went on to lose 45-12.

"Not at all," McGregor said when asked if he was worried about a repeat of that incident.

"Jack's never been openly discussed in any discussion within the group about playing thus far this year and that's something we learnt from last year.

"Obviously he's still in here training, he's a part of our group. From day one we've put the welfare around Jack and making sure he's in a comfortable environment. Jack gets an opportunity next week, but we're just preparing for this week."

The comments came as the NRL confirmed clubs will be able to play games at their home grounds from round eight.

That will see St George Illawarra travel to Canberra, before a home clash with Manly in round nine.

While biosecurity requirements still need to be met, the match against the Sea Eagles is likely to be played at Kogarah. The Dragons will then host the Bulldogs at WIN Stadium the following week on July 18.

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