St George Illawarra coach Steve Price is reportedly set to be sacked by the NRL club.

Fairfax Media reports that Price’s assistant Paul McGregor will take over the position until at least the end of the season.

The Dragons have slumped to six losses in their past seven games to be 13th on the ladder after a promising season start of three straight wins which had them on top.

Former assistant Price took over the reins for the start of the 2012 season when Wayne Bennett departed for Newcastle, having brought a long-sought premiership title to the joint venture in 2010.

However he was unable to bring similar success.

The Dragons finished ninth in 2012 and 14th last year, meaning Price was under big pressure to succeed this year following some big name signings including Josh Dugan and Gareth Widdop, with former Tigers star Benji Marshall also linking with the club a fortnight ago.

Dragons prop Trent Merrin spoke warmly of Price when informed of his impending departure in the NSW Origin camp in Brisbane.

“It’s come as a surprise and I am very sorry to hear it,” said Merrin.

“I have worked with him for a long time and not only is he a coach, he is also a mate.”