The family club: Sisterly bond brings Raecene back to Dragons

Reigning Dally M medal winner Raecene McGregor has spoken of how not wanting to play against her sister Page again was a major sticking point that lured her back to the Dragons this season.

The confirmation of McGregor's signing on Wednesday was among a flurry Dragons coach Jamie Soward rolled out on his social media channels in the afternoon with her return to the club easily the most significant.

St George Illawarra are set to lose last year’s halves Taliah Fuimaono and Rachael Pearson to rival clubs with the returning McGregor, who made her NRLW debut with the Red V in 2018, set to soften the blow.

The sisters went head-to-head in three NRLW clashes last season with Raecene's Roosters coming out on top over the Dragons in the 2021 NRLW decider. 

"It was really hard to play against her last year, I probably underestimated it a bit," McGregor told NRL.com.

To play a game against her was hard but then to play it in a grand final was even harder.

"There were a lot of emotions around that time, happy we won but sad for her. I didn’t really want to experience that again. We can now put the same jersey on and hopefully win a grand final together."

McGregor said she had a tough but good conversation with Roosters coach John Strange about her decision after the Tricolours gave the 25-year-old a last-minute contract at the start of last year following shoulder surgery. 

She went on to help the Roosters to their maiden NRLW title in April before taking out the Dally M medal in the second season. 

"They did a lot for me last year and it was a big conversation to have," McGregor said. 

"I really liked 'Strangey' as a coach. We built a good connection over the last year and obviously my footy went really well so to say I was leaving it was tough but I'm happy with my decision now."

McGregor's return to the Dragons will feel like a fresh start with Kezie Apps and Keeley Davis the last remaining names still at the club last year from the squad that first formed in 2018.

Davis has confirmed she will not be returning to the Dragons in 2023 while Apps is weighing up her future after fielding interest from rival clubs.

McGregor was not concerned of the talent the Dragons had lost for the upcoming season. 

"There’s going to be a lot of shock for people but I think it’s exciting that the talent is spreading across the teams," she said.

"We don’t want teams coming into the competition and not having any established players.

"He’s signed some young girls who are up and coming. I think as long as we stick to a few things we’re going to have a good squad.

"It’s a new challenge for me and something I’m excited about. It’s pretty awesome to be back at the club."