The St George Illawarra Dragons are excited to yet again host the Emergency Services Cup against the Melbourne Storm at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah this Sunday, May 6.
The Emergency Services Cup is played in recognition of the emergency services personnel who dedicate themselves to protecting both the NSW and Victorian people.
The Round 9 proceedings will be headlined by a Westpac Life Saver Rescue helicopter, which will be landing on-field immediately following the conclusion of the Intrust Super Premiership fixture against the Western Suburbs (11:45am kick-off).
Dragons legend Ben Creagh will be a guest passenger in 'Lifesaver 21' alongside the Emergency Services Cup, while the only man to play for St George, Illawarra and St George Illawarra Brad Mackay will be a special guest on Dragons TV.
The 1993 Clive Churchill medallist Mackay has been a firefighter since his retirement – where he also represented New South Wales and Australia – and was looking forward to returning to Jubilee Oval.
"It feels like my two worlds have come together. When you retire from rugby league, you have thoughts running through your head about 'what am I going to do for the rest of my life?'," Mackay said.
"I always aspired to play on Jubilee Oval, and when I retired I always thought it'd be my last chance to be on that field ever again. But now I've got another opportunity [on Dragons TV] which will be different but something I'm excited for.
"Being a member of the emergency services, we are serving the community - which include our friends and families," he added.
"I'm glad we are able to be recognised for that like the Dragons and the Storm are doing. I'll be very proud to be out there representing the emergency services."
Elsewhere, there will be emergency services vehicles on display outside Gate D at Jubilee Oval for all to enjoy.
Emergency service personnel will also be involved in other aspects of day such as a guard of honour, the coin toss and the post-match presentation of the Emergency Services Cup.
Fans will also be allowed on to the playing surface following the conclusion of the NRL fixture (weather permitting).
There remains available plenty of reserved seating and general admission tickets for this weekend's clash; and supporters are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets to ensure the best seats and avoid congestion on the day.
