The St George Illawarra Dragons NRL and NRLW teams both take to the field this week against the South Sydney Rabbitohs (Charity Shield) and Gold Coast Titans (Round 1) respectively. This is your game day guide.
- NRLW team list: Round 1 v Titans
- Fuimaono cops early guilty plea
- NRL team list: Charity Shield v Rabbitohs
Footy's back!
Not one, but two Dragons games to enjoy this weekend. The NRL squad kick-start the weekend with the 39th edition of the traditional Charity Shield fixture against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee on Saturday, March 26 (7pm).
The Charity Shield is proudly supported by Mid-Western Regional Council, with proceeds from the match going to the St George Foundation, the St George and Wollongong Public Hospitals and in the Rabbitohs' case, Souths Cares.
Tickets for the game are available from 123tix.com.au, with the Mudgee faithful also set to get a taste of Knock On Effect Cup action from 4:30pm.
You won't wait long for our NRLW Dragons to hit centre stage in Newcastle the following day, with a 12pm kick-off slated for the Red V and the Titans.
For any footy deprived Red V fan, it's the perfect opportunity to dust off your jersey and cheer the Dragons on all weekend.
More than just a trial
With the season proper just around the corner, both sides are laying their best cards on the table for Saturday’s showdown.
New Dragons recruit George Burgess coming up against his twin brother Tom will no doubt be entertaining viewing. Fellow new recruit Jaydn Su’A will take on his former team in his first outing for the Dragons while Aaron Woods also makes his club debut. You can see our full team here.
Last year’s grand finalists will take to the field with a formidable line-up including Cody Walker, Damien Cook, Alex Johnston and Jai Arrow. You can see their full team here.
NRLW kicks-off
After multiple delays and setbacks, the 2021 NRL Women's Premiership is finally here. The Dragons will kick-start the competition as the first game of the season against the Gold Coast newcomers.
In what will be a historic day for our opponents, coach Jamie Soward's squad will look to spoil the party and secure an early victory in the extended season. Olympic gold medallist Emma Tonegato headlines the new faces for the Dragons alongside fellow internationals Madison Bartlett and Kody House and marquee signing Quincy Dodd.
Matilda power's into the fold
The Dragons have also made a late addition to its 2021 NRLW squad in halfback Matilda Power. The 24-year-old replaces back-rower Natassja Purontakanen in the squad, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury during pre-season.
The talented playmaker has been rewarded following a breakout 2021 season that saw her earn a place in both the New South Wales Country and Sky Blue squads.
Originally from Cobar in NSW's central west (almost 750 kilometres from Wollongong), Power suffered four injuries in five years has fought back to become a standout player with the Mounties in the Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership.
Casualty ward
Dragons NRL outside back Max Feagai will be out for an extended period due to a fractured fibula and high grade syndesmosis injury.
Feagai, who suffered the double blow in the Dragons' last start trial win over the Eels, is surgery bound. A return-to-play timeframe is yet to be established.
