The St George Illawarra Dragons Junior Representative teams will go ahead-to-head in the annual pre-season trial at Ron Costello Park, Shellharbour on Saturday.
Both the St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers respective Harold Matthews Cup (U16) and SG Ball (U18) teams will be eager to hit the paddock having put in the hard yards the last five weeks on the training field.
“There has been a great deal of hard work put in by both players and staff during pre-season training and the results of their efforts will be seen on Saturday," said Dragons Junior Representative Manager Neil Lovett.
"I’m sure those who have worked hardest will receive the rewards, and two competitive games of footy will eventuate in Shellharbour this weekend."
The major focus of the trials will be to allow the Junior Rep and Dragons coaches an opportunity to assess the talent coming through the Dragons pathways.
Each squad currently holds in excess of 30 players, though these numbers will be reduced to the final squad of 25 prior to the Christmas break.
With so much on the line both the Harold Matthews (U16’s) and SG Ball (U18’s) trials are sure to be hotly contested.
“The Harold Matthews Cup match at 9.30am will be followed by the SG Ball trial at 11.00am," said Lovett.
"It’s a great opportunity for coaches and families to see assess the progress of each player, but it’s also a chance for Dragons fans to get an early look at the talent coming through the Dragons developmental pathway."
