The St George Illawarra Dragons drew with the South Sydney Rabbitohs 12-all in the Charity Shield fixture at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park on Saturday.
The Dragons held a 12 point lead for 65 minutes, but the Rabbitohs were able to level the scores in the 32nd annual edition of the marquee pre-season trial, making it the fifth draw in the history of the match.
Dragons props Rulon Nutira, Adam Tuimavave-Gerrard and Shannon Wakeman are all late additions to the extended interchange bench following the omissions of Dan Hunt (knee), Jack de Belin (virus) and Mike Cooper (compassionate grounds).
The Dragons were the first to land onto the scoreboard with a brilliant solo effort from halfback Benji Marshall.
Dragons five-eighth Gareth Widdop converted to bring the Dragons to a 6-nil lead.
The score remained unchanged throughout the first half, with both teams appearing to be evenly matched as the game see-sawed in possession.
The two sides fought back and forth for 13 minutes into the second half, until winger Eto Nabuli collected a Marshall chip and managed to stay in field long enough to pass over to centre Charly Runicman.
Widdop converts from the sideline to increase his sides lead to 12-nil.
The score remained unchanged until the 65th minute as the Rabbitohs hopped onto the scoreboard curtesy of a Sam Manulelua intercept try.
Rabbitohs hooker Isaac Luke converts to bring the score to 12-6.
The Rabbitohs scored again ten minutes later as Chris Grevsmuhl barged over the line.
Luke converts to tie the game 12 all.
St George Illawarra Dragons 12. Tries Marshall, Runicman Goals Gareth Widdop (2/2)
South Sydney Rabbitohs 12. Tries Manuleleu, Grevsmuhl Goals Isaac Luke (2/2)
Jersey Auction
The Dragons will be auctioning the player-worn Charity Shield jerseys with proceeds donated to the St George and Wollongong Public Hospitals.
The auction will commence following the final whistle with Red V Members and supporters alike able to bid until 9.00pm on Thursday, February 12.
Visit www.dragons.com.au for further details on how you can bid on your favourite player’s jersey!
