Rein: Test Out New Systems

St George Illawarra Dragons hooker Mitch Rein is keen to put into practice the new systems the team have learnt during the traditional Charity Shield fixture at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park on Saturday.

The NSW Country Origin representative concedes this will be the first opportunity for the entire playing group to come together and demonstrate what they are capable of after a disappointing NRL Auckland Nines tournament campaign over the weekend.

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Head Coach Paul McGregor has named a 25-man squad for the traditional fixture which includes several younger players and off-season signings a like experiencing their first Charity Shield match.

The local Kiama Knights junior admits that the annual pre-season fixture will be special for not only them to experience  but also the local charities and communities the team supports.

“It’s pretty disappointing that we didn’t get a win in the Nines but it was a great week to be a part of,” said Rein.

“We took a very young squad who got their chance to gain some valuable competitive minutes and experience under those types of conditions.

“We have been concentrating on the 13-man game throughout the pre-season which meant it was hard to try out combinations over the weekend.

“I know all the new guys to the Club really enjoyed themselves getting the chance to put on the jersey and I look forward to seeing them continue to rip in.

“We hope to put into place a lot of the new structures and other things we’ve practiced during the Charity Shield game.

“It’s going to be really good to get an actual game and go set-for-set with Souths as we know it will be a test playing against them.

“While it is a trial match, there is still a lot of feeling in a game like the Charity Shield and both sides bring everything they can to the table.

“There’s a lot of young guys and new players alike at the Club who will be getting their first chance to take part in the game and I’m sure they’ll be excited and taking their chance to be part of the team for the new season.

“Another great thing about the Charity Shield is opportunity to raise money for some great organisations and give them some exposure.

“It is good to know that this is not only a pre-season game for the players but also our communities.”

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The Charity Shield commenced in 1982 and so too did the tradition of supporting local charities and causes. In 2016, proceeds from the Charity Shield will support three charities within the Dragons Community program – the St George and Wollongong Public Hospitals in addition to the St.George Foundation.

Dragons Community was established in 2008 with the aim of having a positive impact on people’s lives within their community which stretches from Kogarah in the north to Batemans Bay in the south.

Dragons Community currently runs over seven key programs across their three major program portfolios:

* Education & Skills       * Health & Wellbeing      * Social Inclusion
 
St.George Foundation was founded in 1990 by St.George Bank, the major partner of the St George Illawarra Dragons, to help build a secure future for disadvantaged children. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding programs that enrich the lives of Australian children who are physically, socially or economically disadvantaged.

For the 2016 Charity Shield, St.George Foundation will once again showcase the selfless work demonstrated by local charity ‘Kookaburra Kids’, who will form the guard of honour at the game to represent the thousands of children across Australia who are helped by St.George Foundation each year.

Results

The St George Illawarra Dragons drew 12-all with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in last season’s corresponding fixture held at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park. In the 32 Charity Shield fixtures contested since 1982, the Dragons have recorded 16 wins, 11 losses and drawn on five occasions.

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Ticketing Information

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