Matthews: Chance To Impress

St George Illawarra Dragons second-rower Will Matthews will be aiming to impress when he competes in the traditional Charity Shield fixture at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park on Saturday.

The Kyogle Turkeys junior has been named in the back-row and will partner utility Jake Marketo due to both Tyson Frizell (back) and Joel Thompson (NRL Indigenous All-Stars) being unavailable for the annual trial.

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Matthews was involved in the trial fixture against the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls over the weekend and is happy to have had the opportunity to gain valuable minutes during the encounter.

He admits he hopes to get a few more minutes as he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery and will be using the upcoming fixture as a chance to make his mark in front of the coaching staff.

“It was a good first hit out against the Seagulls and even though we won it still proved to be a very physical game,” said Matthews.

“It’s been a while since I had an actual game under my belt so it was good to get a few more minutes as I get ready for the Charity Shield.

“We currently have a couple of injuries at the moment with players also involved with the NRL All-Stars match so there will be a few boys including myself trying to impress the coaches.

“It will be a good game for us to be involved in as we continue preparing for the new season.”

Click Here For Game Day Information Concerning The Charity Shield!

The Charity Shield commenced in 1982 and so too did the tradition of supporting local charities and causes. In 2016, proceeds from the Charity Shield will support three charities within the Dragons Community program – the St George and Wollongong Public Hospitals in addition to the St.George Foundation.

Dragons Community was established in 2008 with the aim of having a positive impact on people’s lives within their community which stretches from Kogarah in the north to Batemans Bay in the south.

Dragons Community currently runs over seven key programs across their three major program portfolios:

* Education & Skills       * Health & Wellbeing      * Social Inclusion
 
St.George Foundation was founded in 1990 by St.George Bank, the major partner of the St George Illawarra Dragons, to help build a secure future for disadvantaged children. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding programs that enrich the lives of Australian children who are physically, socially or economically disadvantaged.

For the 2016 Charity Shield, St.George Foundation will once again showcase the selfless work demonstrated by local charity ‘Kookaburra Kids’, who will form the guard of honour at the game to represent the thousands of children across Australia who are helped by St.George Foundation each year.

Results

The St George Illawarra Dragons drew 12-all with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in last season’s corresponding fixture held at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park. In the 32 Charity Shield fixtures contested since 1982, the Dragons have recorded 16 wins, 11 losses and drawn on five occasions.

Jersey Auction

Bid to win the signed and match worn 2016 Charity Shield Jerseys, all proceeds go towards our two local hospitals, St George Public and Wollongong Public as well as the St George Foundation. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to find out more or to place a bid.

NYC Jersey

The Dragons National Youth Competition team will be wearing the newly released red alternative strip for this fixture.

This is due to the South Sydney Rabbitohs wearing their white strip as their respective home jersey for the match.

Make sure you check the new jersey out!

Ticketing Information

Tickets to the 2016 Charity Shield are on sale to the general public now through Ticketek. For further information or to purchase tickets please click here