St George Illawarra, thanks to our community supporter Bob St Clair, were recently privileged enough to offer a once in a lifetime experience to 50 youth attached to Dragons Community programs.
Participants from Dragons Community's Score Dragons program (The Disability Trust), the Jervis Bay PS/Wreck Bay community program and the Dragons NRL School 2 Work program were able to attend State of Origin II for an unforgettable experience.
The 50 youth were also fortunate enough to meet the New South Wales squad and Blues coach Brad Fittler at the captain's run the day before the Blues clinched their first series since 2014.
The Dragons have been swamped with positive feedback from all three associations and many of the parents and we would like to congratulate all involved - including the NSWRL - for making it such a wonderful experience.
"The participants were ecstatic to meet their idols on Saturday at the captain's run. The players were so welcoming at the end of their session by signing autographs and posing for photos," Michael Norris from The Disability Trust said.
"One day out from the biggest match of their lives it was brilliant to see they took the time to make them all feel welcomed.
"For them to back it up on Sunday by getting them tickets to the game was unexpected but greatly appreciated as the participants had so much fun.
"To witness a Blues win topped off the weekend for everyone and the participants felt included as those around us were so engaging with our group.
"I've been with the Disability Trust for 17 years and last weekend was one of the best things I have been a part of since I started here."
Dragons Community: Origin experience of a lifetime