St George Ilawarra coach Paul McGregor has defended Benji Marshall, saying critics of the veteran halfback are being too harsh.

Marshall, who has reportedly knocked back a $300,000 contract extension by the Dragons, came under fire from former NRL stars Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler after last weekend’s humiliating shut-out loss to premiers North Queensland.

McGregor says he has no problem with the 31-year-old playmaker however, and the Kiwi international’s struggles have more to do with the team’s poor form than anything else.