Paul McGregor

McGregor non-plussed with tactics used by Warriors

The Warriors defeated the Dragons 20-12 in Auckland on Friday night, despite finishing on the wrong end of a 13-5 penalty count.

Many of the penalties conceded by the Warriors came while the now joint premiership leaders were defending their own line.

While admitting the Warriors were the better side on the night, McGregor said the constant "stop-start-nature" of the match hindered the Dragons' ability to play with any fluidity.

Dragons take a leaf out of Cowboys playbook

With the Dragons dominating the Rabbitohs everywhere except the scoreboard in the first half, McGregor interchanged James Graham, Paul Vaughan and Jack de Belin simultaneously in the 27th minute.

Leeson Ah Mau, Jeremy Latimore and utility Kurt Mann, who played lock, were their replacements.

The starting trio were re-introduced gradually before the midway point of the second half to help the Dragons late in the match when the possession stakes inevitably shifted back towards their opponents.

Dragons best footy still to come: McGregor

While happy with the victory, the 16-12 result featured some poor handling and execution from both teams and McGregor blamed a bit of rustiness coming off the bye while having three players off in Origin camp during the lead-up.