The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced an additional pre-season fixture against the Mackay Cutters at Stadium Mackay on Saturday, January 31.
The Queensland fixture will be played in tandem with the second annual NRL Auckland Nines tournament which will take place at Eden Park, Auckland across Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1.
Head Coach Paul McGregor has welcomed the newly announced fixture against the Queensland Cup opponents and has indicated it will still provide those not named in the NRL Auckland Nines squad the opportunity to test themselves in a competitive environment.
“The upcoming trial against the Mackay Cutters will provide those players not named in the NRL Auckland Nines squad the chance to still play in what will be a physically challenging encounter,” said McGregor.
“It will also serve as an opportunity for the coaching staff to gauge where each player is at in their respective pre-season preparations while also providing a solid platform for our preparations in both the Charity Shield and World Club Series.”
The Dragons players selected for the two-day NRL Auckland Nines tournament will compete within the Rangitoto pool against the Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
The Dragons will then compete in the traditional Charity Shield match against reigning Premiers the South Sydney Rabbitohs, to be held at ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park on the evening of Saturday, February 7.
The Dragons will then travel north of the equator to take part in the inaugural World Club Series after being invited to compete against European Super League opponents Warrington Wolves at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington on Friday, February 20.
2015 Red V Members will have the opportunity to pre-purchase tickets to the pre-season fixture against the Mackay Cutters from 9am to 4.30pm AEST Thursday, December 11 before tickets go on sale to general public on Friday, December 12 from 9.00am.
Dragons 2015 Pre-Season Fixtures:
Saturday, January 31
Fixture: Trial v Mackay Cutters
Location: Mackay Stadium
Ticketing Information: Tickets will be available for purchase from the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre. Phone: (07) 4961 9777. Red V Members will have a one-day pre-sale opportunity on Thursday, December 11 from 9.00am to 4.30pm AEST. Tickets to the General Public go on sale Friday, December 12 from 9.00am AEST. 2015 Red V Members will be emailed the password to purchase during the pre-sale window.
Saturday, January 31 - Sunday, February 1
Fixture: NRL Auckland Nines v Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Location: Eden Park, Auckland
Ticketing Information: Tickets are now on sale to Red V Members and the general public through Ticket (NZ). Click here for more information regarding ticketing.
Saturday, February 7
Fixture: Charity Shield v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Location: ANZ Stadium, Olympic Park
Ticketing Information: Tickets will be sold through Ticketek and are not yet on sale. Red V Members will be emailed with ticketing details once confirmed. The following 2015 Red V Memberships include entry to the Charity Shield – Platinum, All In, Metro Plus & West Wing.
Friday, February 20
Fixture: World Club Series vs Warrington Wolves
Location: The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington
Ticketing Information: Tickets are now on sale to Red V Members and the general public through host club Warrington Wolves. An official supporters tour to the UK is being developed and details will be provided once confirmed. Click here for more information regarding ticketing.
