ST George Illawarra's NRL season is over and the hard work is about to start preparing for next year.
Coach Paul McGregor, now in charge for the next three years, has the task of shaping a team with a good smattering of youth and experience into a finals team.
A 40-10 walloping against Newcastle at Hunter Sports Stadium on Sunday was a flat end to the season.
The Dragons finished 11th on 26 points.
McGregor said there were no excuses for his side's performance.
"You want to go out there with a thought process that you are going to give your best effort because you haven't got next week to play for," McGregor said.
"The story was told after the first 10 minutes. It was a long 80 minutes for me."
McGregor said there is work to be done in the off-season at the club.
He has started a review of the football department and wants to implement changes but he won't be drawn on them at this stage.
One matter McGregor wants resolved is the long-term retention of winger Brett Morris.
The Test winger is under contract until the end of 2015 but the Bulldogs are keen to sign him for 2016 and beyond.
McGregor wants to keep him a Dragon for life.
And the league drum keeps beating. Veteran prop Willie Mason, who had a blinder against the Dragons on Sunday, has been linked with them in 2015. Newcastle have told Mason his services are not required in 2015.
Newcastle 40 d St George Illawarra Dragons 10 (Brett Morris, Kyle Stanley tries; Gareth Widdop one goal); crowd: 20,424.
Should the Dragons sign prop Willie Mason for 2015?
BEST PLAYER
The Dragons showed promise in the second half of the season and the feeling in the club is that 2015 they have the mettle to make the finals. Gareth Widdop, has arguably been the club’s best player over the premiership rounds, with Brett Morris not far behind him.
Coach Paul McGregor will conduct a review of this season, then map out off-season strategies. The Dragons have missed the finals for three consecutive seasons, 2012-14.
OFF-CONTRACT
The Dragons have nine players off contract: Josh Ailaomai, Jack Bird, Yaw Kiti Glymin, Nathan Green, Bronson Harrison, Willie Mataka, Will Matthews, Shane Pumipi and Kyle Stanley.
Halfback Michael Witt has retired and prop Matt Groat has signed with British Super League club Salford Devils.
HOLDEN CUP
The Dragons have reached the finals of the under-20s competition. Dragons play Newcastle at Allianz Stadium at 1pm on Saturday.
Dean Young and Ben Hornby, who won a premiership together with the Dragons in 2010, and have impressed with their coaching of the Holden Cup team.
