McGregor says Dragons have turned a corner

With a drubbing of their NRL whipping boys taken care of, St George Illawarra now want to continue a spectacular season revival against the Brisbane Broncos.

Dragons coach Paul McGregor was happiest with the clean sheet after accounting for the Warriors 36-0, a result which stretches their winning streak to 11 against the struggling Kiwi club dating back to 2007.

The six-try win in Wellington on Saturday was highlighted by long periods of tryline defence from the visitors before they broke clear with four tries in 12 minutes after halftime.

McGregor said last week’s 46-24 thrashing of the Knights, which snapped a seven-game losing streak, had showcased an improved attack.

He’s even more cheerful now they’ve found their defensive mojo.

“Our identity is our D and we got that back and we kept turning the Warriors away when they had a lot of opportunities,” McGregor said.

“That’s very pleasing and that turned a big corner today in what we’re about. We’ve got to continue that next week and have the same attitude, desire and belief.”

They’ll be without halfback Benji Marshall (hamstring) and centre Will Matthews (shoulder), who both departed inside the first quarter.

Winger Dylan Farrell, who was ruled out with a back injury suffered in the warm-ups is expected to be fit to face the competition leaders in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Dragons were top dogs themselves in early June before their horror run.

Their revival has coincided with some powerhouse outings from prop Leeson Ah Mau and slick playmaking from Mitch Rein and Gareth Widdop, who combined to cover for the loss of Marshall.

McGregor nevertheless says a quick Marshall return is critical for their title hopes.

“Anyone, at this stage of the year, in your top 20, you want available.

“Benji’s been a big part of our team and will continue to do that so we want him to get better as soon as possible.”

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