St George Illawarra have appointed Paul McGregor as head coach for the next three NRL seasons.

McGregor, a former club captain, took over the reins as interim coach in round 12 following the sacking of Steve Price.

Chief executive Peter Doust said the board believed McGregor was the right person to lead the Dragons from 2015-17 after undergoing a “very detailed process” with a variety of coaches and scenarios.

The club had attempted to lure back former coach Wayne Bennett, who led them to the 2010 NRL premiership, until he decided to sign with Brisbane last month.

“Anyone who knows and speaks with Paul can clearly understand his passion for the Dragons, his honesty and drive to succeed,” Doust said in a statement.

“Paul’s preparedness to take on the role mid-season and the way he has gone about this is to be respected.

“He has enormous support and respect within the Dragons, particularly from the playing group and also from rugby league coaches, players and administrators outside of the Dragons.

“Paul has very strong and clear views about what needs to be done to ensure the Dragons deliver appropriate results for all stakeholders.”

Doust said McGregor had strong opinions on the roster and recruitment, and the club was confident of his commitment to lead change and growth.