7th Tackle: Mary's clean start looking dusty
Mary's clean start looking dusty
During the off-season, Paul McGregor sold-out of True Blue Cleaning, a chemical cleaning company he co-owned and operated for several years prior. We're told the demands of NRL coaching forced McGregor's hand, that he simply didn't have sufficient time to commit to a side business with offices in Sydney and Wollongong.
Eight months later McGregor is entitled to wonder whether he's invested too much into leading the Dragons out of years of mediocrity. With the pressure building after five straight losses, McGregor's emotions have come to the fore on two occasions since the Dragons bowed-out from finals contention last Thursday night. Both took place within 24 hours of the narrow defeat to Brisbane.
The first came in the post-match press conference, where McGregor directed questions about recruitment to other staff members. He added that those colleagues needed to "step up" and answer for their own decisions. In other words, take some public accountability - and some heat off him. It was an unusual response; more so given the fact McGregor has answered previous enquiries about recruitment without fuss. It makes us wonder whether his powers have been clipped in that department; with rumours suggesting CEO Peter Doust - under an equal degree of pressure - has become more hands-on in trying to attract players to the club.
The following day McGregor was involved in a pair of heated exchanges with playmaker Benji Marshall. Seven News revealed the pair clashed verbally in front of teammates during a video review session, before continuing their stoush in the privacy of McGregor's office. McGregor has every right to challenge his players, particularly after a poor display. However, Marshall was taken aback by the sustained nature and pointedness of the critique and didn't hold back.
It's somewhat surprising McGregor has retained him after their clash; even Marshall feared he'd be dropped to NSW Cup. There's simply no superior halves option at present - and none on the horizon for 2017 when Marshall goes elsewhere. Ditto for hooker. The six-month stalemate with Mitch Rein is causing major dramas for the rake. We're told Rein is now openly telling teammates and friends about his disappointment over the club's reluctance to budge on its initial contract renewal offer of around $250,000-a-season - well below his current salary. The Dragons' stance might be savvy if they had a replacement hooker lined-up and ready to go. But at present there's every chance the local junior could end up staying – talks were continuing yesterday - but now with a begrudging attitude.
McInnes on the shopping list
South Sydney's aggressive pursuit of Robbie Farah could spell the end for current hooker Cameron McInnes at Redfern. We've had talks with rival club representatives who are keeping a close eye on the situation between Farah and Souths. McInnes had all but agreed to join St George Illawarra last May, before being convinced by Michael Maguire to extend with Souths until the end of 2017. But the final year of his contract will just about be null and void should the club succeed in securing Farah, the NSW Origin No. 9, on a two-year deal.
If the Dragons can't reach an agreement with Rein, they'd be obvious candidates to have another lash at McInnes. Having lost Mick Ennis to retirement, local rivals Cronulla could also come into the picture. Both the Eels and Dragons are also in the hunt for Farah. While Parramatta is a realistic chance, St George Illawarra’s hopes haven’t been done any favours following this week's blow-up with Marshall. Farah has been heavily relying on his former Tigers team mate for advice about the lifestyle in Wollongong.
Kevvie dudded a second time
Kevin Walters is entitled to wonder what he's done to deserve a second helping of raw pineapple in the past 12 months. First he was initially overlooked for the Queensland Origin job, in favour of Cowboys coach Paul Green. Now, having delivered the Maroons their tenth series win the past 11 seasons, Walters has been sensationally left stranded at altar by Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.
Our Queensland sources say Walters expressed no burning desire to return the Broncos this season. He was open to rejoining the club in 2017, but those close to him expected him to take a well-earned break for the remainder of 2016 once the Origin series was complete. Then came the news earlier this week, revealing he'd been in talks to see-out the season under Bennett in a bid to re-ignite the flickering form of halves Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford. The story had barely been revealed when Bennett hit the move on the head.
We've got to wonder about the current state of the pair's relationship - and whether Bennett was truly in Walters' corner as the QRL dithered over its coaching appointment late last year.