Video Ezy Charity Shield Vital for
Dragons in 2005

Dragons coach Nathan Brown believes the 2005 Video Ezy Charity Shield will be one of the most keenly contested games of the season for his St George Illawarra Dragons as they clash with South Sydney at Aussie Stadium on February 19, 2005.

Brown, entering his third season as first grade coach at the Club, believes the traditional clash presents a unique opportunity to provide valuable experience for his players before the season-opener four weeks later.

?The Charity Shield is a great opportunity to trial what we have been working on in the pre-season,? said Brown. ?It will be important for our guys to get out there in front of a big crowd and take on tough opposition. It?s what they can expect when the NRL season starts the following month?.

Captain Trent Barrett and new recruit Colin Best are also looking forward to the clash and recognise the importance of the match to both the team and Dragons fans.

?It is our first game for a long time and everybody just can?t wait to get out there and play,? said Barrett. ?The Charity Shield is always a good hit-out and gives us a good indication as to where we are at and what we need to improve before the season starts.

?I have watched the Charity Shield a number of times and am really looking forward to being involved in such an important traditional match,? added Best.

The Charity Shield has always been an exciting and hard fought encounter with the concept established in 1982 to support local charities and worthwhile causes. In 2005 this tradition continues with proceeds from the Video Ezy Charity Shield going towards the St George and Wollongong Public Hospitals within the Dragons? key communities.

?There are many worthwhile charities in need of help including those associated with the recent Tsunami disaster in Asia, which the Dragons will continue to support in a number of ways,? said Dragons Chief Executive Officer Peter Doust.

?However, along with South Sydney, we felt that it was important to carry on with the traditions of the Charity Shield that have been established over so many years and support charities in our local communities ?.

The Dragons team for the Video Ezy Charity Shield will be announced on Tuesday, February 15.

The Dragons second and final NRL trial match is against Manly at Albion Park on February 26.

CHARITY SHIELD FACT SHEET

Results

In the 21 Charity Shield matches contested since 1982, The Dragons have won 13 times; Rabbitohs 5; draws 3.

2004: St George Illawarra Dragons 34 defeated South Sydney Rabbitohs 8.

Charities

The major beneficiaries of the 2005 Video Ezy Charity Shield will be the St George Public Hospital, Wollongong Public Hospital, Sydney Children?s Hospital and Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Charity Shield Program ? Saturday, February 19

4pm Gates open 4.15pm Jersey Flegg (under 19) ? Dragons v Rabbitohs 6pm Premier League ? Dragons v Rabbitohs 7.30pm FOX telecast preview program 8pm FOX live broadcast, NRL trial, Dragons v Rabbitohs

LIVE UPDATES HERE AT LEAGUEUNLIMITED.COM - KICK OFF 8:00pm FEB 19 (AEST)

Ticket Sales

Tickets go on sale today (Wednesday, Jan 19) for an exclusive priority period available only to Dragons Red V Members and Rabbitohs Members from 9am. The priority period runs until Sunday (Jan 23).

Tickets then go on sale to the general public on Monday, January 24 from 9am. Tickets can be purchased from any Ticketek outlet, online at www.ticketek.com.au or by phone on 9266 4800. Ticket Prices Premier Reserved Seating - Adult $25; Children/Concession $15; Family (2 adults, 2 children under 15) $65. General Admission - unreserved seating - Adult $20; Children/Concession $10; Family (2 adults, 2 children under 15) $45.