St George Illawarra legend and assistant coach Dean Young says the Dragons are hoping to improve on their finals appearance in 2015 and move up the table this season.

The Saints squeaked into the finals only to be bundled out in golden point by Canterbury after shocking some by leading the premiership earlier in the campaign.

“It was a huge year for the club last year,” Young said at the Charity Shield press conference on Wednesday.

“Three years without making the finals before that wasn’t good enough for the Dragons and what the fans expect.

“It’s been a work in progress, the boys started the year off really well last year but we fell away mid-year due to a few injuries and lack of confidence.

“The boys did all the fans very proud to make the finals though in very tough conditions.

“It was a good stepping stone, but now we’re expecting a lot better this year after spending 12 months under Mary [Paul McGregor].”