St George Illawarra have earmarked Laurie Daley as a potential coach but will stick by Steve Price until at least the end of this season.

It is understood that NSW coach Daley sits on top of the Dragons' coaching wish list, which includes former coach Wayne Bennett and Gold Coast assistant Neil Henry.

In demand: Laurie Daley. Credit:Getty Images

Daley, who will lead the Blues into camp on Tuesday, has an association with the Dragons, having been part of Nathan Brown's coaching staff in 2003 in his first senior coaching position. Despite being a rookie NRL coach, Daley has impressed St George Illawarra officials with his handling of recent NSW setbacks.

The Dragons' board is in no rush to finalise its long-term coaching staff and is monitoring Bennett's situation with Newcastle closely as it looks to entice the 2010 premiership-winning coach back to the club. While Bennett has another year to run with the Knights, he is among 20 staff members to not have been paid this month. A return to Brisbane or the Dragons loom as destinations for Bennett should the situation in Newcastle worsen.