Paul McGregor could be set for a coaching comeback, and a new challenge abroad, with the former St George Illawarra Dragons boss reportedly in the frame to take over at French Super League outfit Catalans Dragons.
Code Sports revealed on Thursday that McGregor’s name is under consideration for the vacant head coach role following the sudden departure of long-serving boss Steve McNamara last month.
McNamara’s exit came amid a shaky start to the 2025 campaign, with the Catalans winning just five of their first 11 games and suffering a 40-0 thrashing at the hands of St Helens.
The 57-year-old McGregor has been out of a head coaching role since parting ways with St George Illawarra in 2020, but has remained involved in rugby league circles, most recently assisting at Parramatta and working with the NSW Blues squad.
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McGregor ready for another shot
McGregor had previously been set to join North Queensland in 2024 before pulling out for personal reasons, and was also linked to the Parramatta top job before Jason Ryles was ultimately appointed. But there’s no doubt the former Kangaroo remains eager for a head coach return.
During his six seasons at the helm of the Dragons, McGregor led the side to two finals appearances and finished with a 46 per cent win rate across 151 games, a mixed tenure that ended during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 season.
Now, with Catalans at a crossroads despite a roster stacked with NRL experience, including Luke Keary, Nick Cotric and Elliott Whitehead, McGregor could be handed the task of reviving the club’s 2025 campaign. Joel Tomkins is currently serving as interim coach, but the French side are looking for a long-term appointment to steady the ship.
“We thought we had a very good squad this year, and for some reason, it just hasn’t clicked,” Tomkins said (via Love Rugby League).