By Mary Maidiotis
St George Illawarra Dragons fullback Josh Dugan is proud to be playing in a fixture with such rich history ahead of the Heritage Round fixture against South Sydney Rabbitohs at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Moore Park on Saturday.
The NSW Blues Origin representative opted for the week off against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks but admits it was difficult having to watch from the sidelines and is keen to return to the field this weekend.
Click Here To Purchase Your Tickets To The Heritage Round Match!
Dugan, 25, says he is feeling refreshed and is confident the Red-and-Whites can find success again after a recent string of disappointing losses.
“I had the week off last week and it was tough watching from the sidelines so I’m looking forward to getting back into training with the boys and playing on Saturday night,” said Dugan.
“The body is feeling a lot better than it would’ve been had I backed up after Origin, it did take its toll and I was really feeling it towards the back end but I feel like getting that week off was the best thing for me and the team in the long run.
“Now I’m just looking to put my best foot forward and go out there to try help the team get back into some good form.
“We’ve got a few players back so although it will be a tough battle, I’m confident we can get the job done.
“As a Dragons supporter you know all about the rich history of the SCG, it was awesome for me to get the chance to play there last year and I’m really looking forward to doing it again on Saturday night.”
Precinct Activity – Heritage Display
Red V Members and supporters alike will be able to relive all the excitement from the match with a unique Heritage Display located within the Concourse of the Victor Trumper Stand between 5.00pm-8.30pm.
The dis play will hold various items relating to the 1965 Grand Final providing participants with information about the historic match and access to viewing unique pieces of memorabilia relating to the game.
Material will include quotes from 1965 Dragons and Rabbitohs representatives reminiscing on the fixture as well as images, newspaper articles and the game day Match Program.
Furthermore, there will also be displayed a 1965 Dragons signed team jersey, 1965 autographed team photo, 1965 split Dragons and Rabbitohs team jersey as well as the J.J Giltinan Shield!
Heritage Round Jersey Purchasing Information
The Dragons commemorative Heritage Round Jersey celebrating the 1965 Grand Final is available for sale in Adults sizes both at the Dragons Merchandise Store in Kogarah and Online.
The Dragons Heritage Round Jersey will also be available for sale in Adults sizes along will a full range of ISC and Supporter Gear at the Dragons Merchandise Van, located in the precinct area near Gate E at the SCG from 5.00pm.
Click Here To Purchase Your Heritage Round Jersey Today!
Heritage Round Jersey Player Jersey Auction
The Dragons are offering all Red V Members and supporters the chance to bid on their favourite Heritage Round player-worn jersey!
All proceeds will go to the Club and each player-worn Dragons Heritage Round jersey will additionally be signed by that individual player!
The auction will commence on Thursday, July 16 at 5.00pm so make your bid now via the Club website!
Men Of League
For every fan that attends a match during the Men of league Heritage round, the NRL will donate $1.00 from every ticket to support both the NRL Foundation and the RiseForAlex Fund.
The NRL Foundation has been established to provide immediate and continuing financial and emotional support to rugby league players at all levels of the game who suffer a catastrophic or potentially catastrophic spinal injury.
The Foundation have partnered with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia who, in conjunction with the NRL, support players and their families at all levels of the game impacted by a catastrophic spinal cord injury.
The RiseForAlex Fund was established to provide assistance to Alex McKinnon, a Newcastle Knights professional Rugby League footballer, who suffered a devastating spinal injury in a rugby league tackle in March 2014.
The NRL has provided and continue to provide support to Alex in his rehabilitation journey.
