Dragons extend Price contract

St George head coach Steve Price has had his contract extended in a surprise move.

Price, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, has signed terms to stay on with the Dragons until the culmination of the 2014 season.

Price, a former assistant to Wayne Bennett, also has the option to remain for a further year.

“I feel very proud to be able to continue my association and am thankful to the Dragons Board for giving me the opportunity and I am excited about the future.

“In saying this, I have remained very focused on this season and have not let the discussions distract me from what I have needed to do this season and I am really confident about where we are headed.”

The Dragons missed out on the top eight during Price’s first year in charge in 2012 and rumours persisted that club bosses were in the market for a replacement.

But St George chief executive Peter Doust said the club board were happy with Price’s contribution since taking over from Bennett.

“The Board have taken a very close interest in Steve’s continued development as an NRL Coach since he was extended the opportunity to be Head Coach of the Dragons in 2011 and we believe that he is to be respected for his contributions and disposition towards the Dragons, through testing times,” said Doust.