St George Illawarra Dragons co-captain Gareth Widdop will have his first opportunity to lead the team in the trial fixture against the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls at Pinklands Oval, Redlands on Saturday, February 6.
The England international will skipper the squad named by Head Coach Paul McGregor for the opening pre-season trial fixture, which includes four new signings who will make their first respective appearances for the Club.
New recruits Taane Milne, Siliva Havili, Russell Packer and Tyrone McCarthy have all been named for the match as has returning former player, Adam Quinlan and recent National Youth Competition team graduate Tom Carr.
Young Dragons Izaac Thompson, Hame Sele and Luciano Leilua, who are all eligible for NYC, have been rewarded for their performances with the NRL Squad throughout the pre-season.
Given the Auckland Nines is on this same weekend (click here to view the Dragons team for the Nines), the Dragons squad for the match is also likely to be bolstered by Illawarra Cutters players who are yet to be determined.
Dragons NRL Assistant Coach, Jason Demetriou, will take charge of the team for this fixture in lieu of McGregor who will travel with the Dragons NRL Nines squad to Auckland.
“The Wynnum Manly trial will be our first proper hit-out for the pre-season and it is an opportunity for the Coaching Staff to see players’ are at with their development and for the players’ to put up their hands for ongoing selection,” said McGregor.
“It is difficult to split the squad across the Nines and Wynnum match with them being on the same weekend, but we have split the squad based on what we believed was best for the formats and the individuals with respect to their pre-season build-up and work load”.
“We are very thankful and appreciative to the Redlands Junior Rugby League Club for making this trial against Wynnum possible,” added McGregor.
“We know that the Seagulls have a talented squad, it will be a good early season challenge for our players and one that they are very much looking forward too, especially after a long pre-season”.
Wynnum-Manly Seagulls Squad:
Adam Quinlan, Jason Nightingale, Izaac Thompson , Taane Milne , Tom Carr , Gareth Widdop (c), Leeson Ah Mau, Siliva Havili , Russell Packer , Will Matthews, Joel Thompson, Ben Creagh , Mike Cooper, Tyrone McCarthy, Hame Sele , Luciano Leilua.
Click Here To View The Dragons Player Profiles
The Dragons have not named Benji Marshall (ankle) or Tyson Frizell (back) for either the NRL Auckland Nines tournament or the trial against Wynnum-Manly Seagulls as they continue their respective rehabilitation from off-season surgery.
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
Please note that Dragons Merchandise and Red V Membership will be available for purchase at each of the above mentioned events.
Click Here To Become A Red V Member And March With Us In 2016!
