By Mary Maidiotis
The St George Illawarra Dragons Community department combined with the NRL Development team to host the Rod Wishart and Paul McGregor Shields Regional Finals at Albion Park on Thursday.
A total of 2230 students in years 3-6, formed 213 teams from 47 different schools across the South Coast and Illawarra regions to compete in the Legends Days throughout Term One for a spot in the finals.
Finalists from nine different school districts came together to play in the years 5-6 Rod Wishart and years 3-4 Paul McGregor divisions.
Mount Terry Public School were victors in the Paul McGregor Shield, defeating Saint Therese Public School, while Saint Columbkilles took out the Rod Wishart Shield against Gerringong Public School.
McGregor acknowledged the work at grassroots levels and its importance in keeping children active.
“It’s a great honour to have the Shield named after me,” said McGregor.
“As you grow up through the local schools in the area, playing for trophies certainly mean something, and to have one named after me is a real privilege.
“My young son is coming through the school system down in the Illawarra and he played for it at one stage, so it’s really nice.”
The winners will now progress to the state finals held in August.
