Dragons coach hits out after victory

Minutes after his side kept their season alive with a fighting local derby win over Cronulla, St George Illawarra coach Steve Price launched a bizarre attack on unnamed critics he believes are attempting to drag the club down.

The Dragons boss took the attention off the Red V's 18-10 win at WIN Stadium with a perplexing tirade, alleging there were elements outside the club putting the boot in and questioning the players' commitment and morale.

"There were a few obstacles but it was an outstanding achievement from the playing group," Price said of a win that keeps Saints in touch with the top eight.

"Anyone who doubts our character and our spirit amongst our footy club certainly got their pants pulled down today."

Asked if he believed people outside the club doubted the Dragons' resolve, Price replied: "Some people do. I'm sure you guys (in the media) do too."

Reporter: "Why would you say that?"

Price: "You're always hearing a lot of bad press about our footy club."

Reporter: "What do you mean?"

Price: "(There's) just a lot of negative stuff which has been happening over the last couple of weeks but we know what works. I'm not going to go into that."

Reporter: "You think it hasn't been warranted?"

Price: "To a degree. There's a lot of good things we've been doing but we're big enough to overcome what's been thrown at us."

Reporter: "Do you feed off the criticism?"

Price: "We certainly do, definitely."

Skipper Ben Hornby sat grim-faced during Price's rant and refused to buy into the matter.

"I haven't really thought about it to be honest," he said.

"I'm just out there trying to win as many games as I can.

"I think the rest of the boys are feeling the same way.

"I haven't been reading the papers."

When his focus returned to the three tries to two disposal of the Sharks, recorded in controversial circumstances, Price acknowledged it could be a season-turning result.

The Dragons will finish Round 19 two points outside the top eight and fancy their chances of making a late dash for the playoffs.

"It was a very important game. You saw some encouraging signs there and it's only going to get better," Price said.

"If we keep putting in a performance like that and improve our offence, who knows what it could be in a couple of weeks' time."

Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan was livid over a number of decisions he felt cost his side, but Hornby countered: "There were bad calls both ways."

The Dragons lost five-eighth Jamie Soward (back) prior to kick off and then watched as his replacement Kyle Stanley (knee) was stretchered off early in the first half.

Nathan Fien (knee) also finished on the injured list.

Soward is expected back next week but Stanley and Fien face scans on Monday to determine their short-term futures.