Reports emerged Tuesday morning that the former Broncos and Panthers coach is the leading candidate for the vacant head coaching role.

Griffin is one of a number of contenders on a fairly long list that includes current interim Dean Young, Roosters assistant Craig Fitzgibbon and David Furner.

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The latest suggestion is that St George Illawarra will retain Young as an assistant to work under Griffin.

The club is chasing a disciplined, defensive minded coach that has had success at the top level.

Griffin fits that mould and is widely credited for laying the foundation for the Panthers charge towards this year's premiership.

Norman and hooker Ben Hunt were coached by the 53-year-old during their time in Brisbane, with the coach grooming Norman from a freakish under 20s talent into a first grade player who debuted at just 19 years of age.

Their relationship soured towards the end of the five-eighth's run at the Broncos, with Norman dropped due to poor form in late 2013, his final season with the club.

Despite this, Norman said he would be happy to work with his old mentor if he was signed to lead the Dragons next season.

"I had Hook (Griffin) though the 20s and into first grade at Brisbane," Norman said. "I know what he's like and what type of bloke he is.

"I haven't had him as coach for a while, but I got along with him well. He's a good bloke and a good coach.

"It's out of my hands, I've got to worry about myself and play good footy these last five weeks. I'll leave it up to the people up top to worry about that."

The St George Illawarra five-eighth was peppered with questions by reporters about Griffin and the vacant head coaching position on Tuesday.

So intense has been the focus on the Dragons search for Paul McGregor's replacement, it threatens to take away from the fact the team is in a desperate fight for a top eight place.

Such a finish is unlikely, with the side currently 10^th on the ladder and probably needing to win at least four of their last five games to make the finals.

Norman, however, said the rumours surrounding the next head coach have not distracted the players from their primary goal, to win footy games.

"No, it's not a distraction. We're worried about what we're doing here and keeping this winning streak going.

"At the end of the day, that's all we can control, our performance out on the field. All that other stuff, it's got nothing to do with us. We'll worry about the Titans this week."

Young named an unchanged starting lineup for Friday's clash with the Gold Coast, however he did make two forced changes to the bench.

Paul Vaughan is suspended, while Korbin Sims injured his calf late in last week's win over Brisbane.

The Dragons welcome Jackson Ford back from suspension, with Billy Brittain coming into the side in jumper no. 17.

Eddie Blacker, Jayden Sullivan and Max Feagai have been named in the 21, with all three players in line for an NRL debut if they are to force their way into the final side.