THE 2015 season will be remembered by St George Illawarra fans as one where the team returned to the NRL finals after four long years in the competition wilderness.
The NRL season ended on Sunday night as the North Queensland Cowboys won their first premiership, securing a 17-16 golden-point extra-time victory against Brisbane in what will be remembered as one of the greatest grand finals of all time.
Much to the delight of their army of fans, the Dragons breathed fire again in 2015.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor is now shaping the team in his own image.
McGregor went about building a competitive outfit that finished eighth on 28 points with 12 wins and 12 losses.
The Dragons had their good and bad patches.
There was a horror seven-match losing streak which was the dark period.
The bright phase was a six-game winning streak from round three to round eight after losing their opening two games to Melbourne and Wests Tigers.
The Dragons had their season ended in golden point, 11-10, in their elimination final against Canterbury.
McGregor said that while the heartbreaking loss was a bitter pill for him to swallow it was also one of the team's best moments in 2015.
"I was very proud of the way the team finished the season and they showed a lot of character and pride," McGregor said.
"The fans have a lot to look forward to next year and they can feel excited.
"If you look at the journey we've had and where we've come from I couldn't be prouder.
"No one gave us any respect at the start of the year.
"Every player at the club in 2015 is a better player than they were last year.
"And they will be better players again in 2016."
The darkest game of the season was in round 20, losing 22-4 against Melbourne in New Zealand.
It was the Dragons' seventh loss on the trot.
The Dragons put together eight wins in nine matches mid season and their best effort was thrashing semi-finalist and arch-rival Cronulla 42-6 at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.
Prop Leeson Ah Mau received the Dragons Player of the Year Award at the 2015 club presentation night.
The Samoan international had his best season in red and white colours since joining in 2012.
McGregor said he has the utmost respect for him.
"He's a very determined man and a genuine footballer," McGregor said.
"Leeson never whinges and always does what the coaching staff ask of him."
