Dragons upcoming 2004 pre-season
matches

Upcoming trial matches, St George Illawarra Dragons, 2004:

Thurs 5th Feb: Hamilton, NZ. Saints Premier League vs Warriors. Sat 14th Feb: SFS, Charity Shield. Saints First Grade vs Souths. Sat 21st Feb: Rockhampton. Saints Premier League v Central Comets. Sat 28th Feb: Carrara, Gold Coast. Saints First Grade v Bulldogs.

Its understood that the Charity Shield will be Trent Barrett's comeback match. Barrett, 26, who last week extended his contract with the Dragons until 2008, will make his comeback from a broken ankle on February 14, 2003. Barrett played just five NRL matches for St George last season.

The Charity Shield match will also mark the return of front rower Luke Bailey (ear operation) and centre Shaun Timmins (knee) from off-season injury treatment. But Mark Gasnier (knee), Brett Firman (shoulder) and Jason Ryles (shoulder) will not be playing.

The Dragons currently hold the Charity Shield after defeating Souths 28-10 last year's encounter.

Charity Shield Program, 21st February 2004: 4pm Gates open 4.30pm Jersey Flegg (under 19) ? South Sydney v St George 6pm Premier League ? Rabbitohs v Dragons 7.30pm FOX telecast preview program 8pm FOX live broadcast, NRL trial, Rabbitohs v Dragons

The Dragons' pre-season trials conclude with a match against the Canterbury Bulldogs at Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast on Saturday 28th February. In what should be an exciting match, the curtain raiser will see Saints' Brisbane feeder club, Brothers Valleys take on locals, the Burleigh Bears. The Saints v Canterbury match is scheduled for kickoff at 7:00pm.