St George Illawarra wish to advise that the Dragons' pre-season trial match and fan day against the Newcastle Knights on Saturday, February 23 has been relocated to WIN Stadium, Wollongong due to the condition of Netstrata Jubilee Stadium's playing surface.
Representatives from Dragons management and the NRL inspected the stadium on Thursday and informed Netstrata Jubilee Stadium's management Georges River Council that the surface was unfit to be played on in the interest of player safety.
"This is extremely disappointing and inconvenient for everyone involved," Dragons Chief Executive Brian Johnston said.
"As a club, we believe the condition of the playing surface is not up to the necessary or required standard and we are not prepared to risk injury to our players or the Newcastle Knights by playing at Netstrata Jubilee Oval in its present state.
"I apologise to our members and supporters for any inconvenience caused, but player safety needs to be of the highest priority.
"We have already requested further discussions with council representatives with respect to our opening home game against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Round 2."
As a result of the relocation, the Dragons will move forward with an NRL and Intrust Super Premiership double-header in Wollongong.
Details surrounding the Jersey Flegg Dragons' trial against Newcastle is yet to be confirmed, and will be communicated as soon as possible.
The fan day will still take place between 1pm and 4pm, and will now occur behind the southern grandstand on WIN Stadium 2.
New timings of Knights trial, fan day @ WIN Stadium, Wollongong –
Fan day starts: 1pm
Gates open: 2:15pm
Intrust Super Premiership kick-off: 2:30pm
NRL kick-off: 4pm
