St George Illawarra Dragons prop Mike Cooper is ready to return to familiar territory after being named for the pre-season fixture against Wynnum-Manly Seagulls at Pinklands Oval, Redlands on Saturday, February 6.
The England international admits he was a spectator the last time he ventured north of the state border to watch his brother compete at Redlands and is keen to follow in his footsteps.
Widdop To Lead Dragons At Redlands
“We are all looking forward to playing whether it be against the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls organised by Redlands Juniors or at the NRL Auckland Nines,” said Cooper.
“Knowing that the first game is just around the corner is something I’m looking forward to and there are selection spots up for grabs to be part of either team.
“For me in particular I am looking forward to it as my brother actually played there for a few months so I am familiar with the area at Redlands.
“It will be good to get a chance to compete in front of a passionate crowd who appreciates their rugby league and I hope to see a few Red V Members cheering us on too.”
Tickets for the pre-season fixture, proudly organised by Redlands Juniors, are now available for purchase.
Capacity is limited so fans are encouraged to pre-purchase and get in early to avoid missing out.
Click Here To Purchase Your Tickets For the Pre-Season Fixture Against Wynnum-Manly Seagulls!
Dragons Red V Members as well as local sponsors and fans will have the opportunity to watch the Dragons train and meet the players at a function organised by Redlands Junior Rugby League Club and Wynnum-Manly. Details are as follows:
Dragons Open Training Session
Date: Friday, February 5
Time: 3:30pm
Venue: Redlands Junior Rugby League Club
Address: Pinklands Sporting Club, 226 Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, Thornlands
Dragons Meet & Greet
Date: Friday, February 5
Time: 7:30pm-8:30pm
Venue: Wynnum Manly Leagues Club
Address: 92 Wondall Road, Manly West
Dragons v Wynnum-Manly Seagulls
Date: Saturday, February 6
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Redlands Junior Rugby League Club
Address: Pinklands Sporting Club, 226 Cleveland-Redland Bay Road, Thornlands
The full squads for the pre-season fixtures are yet to be finalised but all players, provided they are fit, will either be competing against the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls at Redlands or taking part in the NRL Auckland Nines as both events are on the same weekend.
Each day the Dragons will reveal an additional member of the travelling squads for either the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls or NRL Auckland Nines team, alternating the teams, via dragons.com.au and our respective social media channels.
Wynnum-Manly Seagulls Squad:
Gareth Widdop (c)
Joel Thompson
Ben Creagh
Mike Cooper
NRL Nines Squad:
Jack de Belin
Euan Aitken
Josh Dugan
