St George Illawarra must fill two of the most important positions in the organisation before the NRL season commences as they attempt to climb back up the premiership ladder.

Dragons chief executive Brian Johnston will leave the post at the end of March, while officials are yet to settle on a mentor to assist coach Paul McGregor. Red V officials are still holding out some hope that Phil Gould could be convinced to take up the latter role, although they are already considering contingency options.

Dragons chief Brian Johnston will leave the club in March. Credit:Getty Images

Johnson informed the board of his decision last month and an official announcement was made on Wednesday. It ends his second stint at the helm after previously serving the club as a player and chairman.

There have already been wholesale changes to the brains trust following twin reviews, conducted internally and by Gould. Former premiership-winning Sharks and Knights assistant coach James Shepherd, former Eels strength and conditioning coach Adrian Jimenez, former Sharks junior representative physio Davis Theobald and leadership expert Gerard Murphy are among the new faces at the joint-venture outfit.