St George Illawarra Dragons Head Coach Steve Price has named a 27-man squad to play against both the Illawarra Cutters and Mudgee Dragons at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Friday.
This will be the first match for the “new-look” Dragons and the first opportunity for Red V Members and fans alike to see the squad in action over four 20-minute quarters.
New recruits Gareth Widdop, Sam Williams, Dylan Farrell, Mike Cooper, Matt Groat, Willie Mataka, Josh Ailaomai, Joel Thompson and Peter Mata’Utia will all be in action and get their first look at the Dragons home sheds at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah.
It will also provide a good opportunity for the players to play under the new rules for 2014, something Price is looking forward to seeing in action.
“It has been a long tough pre-season and the players are really excited about the opportunity to get out and play on Friday night,” said Price.
“These rule changes are really positive for the game and everyone here at the Club is looking forward to seeing how it helps improve the flow.
“The trials are the perfect opportunity to see them implemented and get a gage on how much the rules speed up the game.
Ben Creagh, Brett Morris, Jason Nightingale, Michael Witt and Dan Hunt were not considered for selection as they are carrying minor injuries.
Admission to WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Friday will be FREE for kids aged 14 years and younger while adults will be charged $5 at the gate on the day.
<b>St George Illawarra Dragons Squad 27 Man Squad v Illawarra Cutters & Mudgee Dragons</b>
Leeson Ah Mau, Josh Ailaomai, Gerard Beale, Jack Bird, Mike Cooper, Jack de Belin, Josh Drinkwater, Josh Dugan, Dylan Farrell, Tyson Frizell, Craig Garvey, Kiti Glyman, Matt Groat, Nathan Green, Bronson Harrison, Willie Mataka, Peter Mata Uta’Utia, Will Matthews, Trent Merrin, Adam Quinlan, Mitch Rein, Charly Runciman, Kyle Stanley, Jack Stockwell, Joel Thompson, Gareth Widdop, Sam Williams.
The NRL Auckland Nines will be the next hit-out for the Dragons on February 15-16 in New Zealand with the squad to be finalised early next week.
The final pre-season match for the Dragons will be the traditional Charity Shield Match which will be played at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on February 22.
Dragons 2014 Pre-Season Fixtures:
Friday, February 7
Location: WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah
4:45pm – Gate A Opens
5:00pm – NYC v Sydney Roosters
7:00pm – NRL v Mudgee Dragons & Illawarra Cutters
Admission Details: Adults $5, Kids aged 14 years and under FREE at the Gate (no pre-purchase available)
Saturday, February 15 - Sunday, February 16
Location: Eden Park, Auckland
Match Details: Click through to see the Dragons draw for the NRL Auckland Nines!
Ticketing Details: Click through to Ticketek (NZ) for ticketing information or to purchase tickets now!
Saturday, February 22
Location: WIN Stadium, Wollongong
2:30pm – Gates Open
2:45pm – NYC v South Sydney
5:00pm – NRL Charity Shield v South Sydney
Ticketing Information: Click through to Ticketek for ticketing information or to purchase tickets now!
