St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor has named a strong 22-man squad for the 37th annual Westfund Charity Shield against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Mudgee's Glen Willow Stadium on Saturday, February 29 (7pm).
Issac Luke and Tyrell Fuimaono will don Dragons colours for the first time, while Trent Merrin will run out for the Red V for the first time since 2015.
James Graham has again been rested, and will sit on the sidelines alongside the injured Matt Dufty (cheekbone), Cameron McInnes (knee) and Josh Kerr (knee).
Proceeds from the Charity Shield will support St George, Mudgee and Wollongong Public Hospitals in addition to the St.George Foundation.
The Dragons enjoyed a 38-12 win over the Newcastle Knights in Maitland last weekend and will be look to continue that momentum against South Sydney.
The Rabbitohs have held on to the Charity Shield since 2013 (six wins, one draw) including a 36-24 victory in the corresponding fixture last year. This will be the third consecutive edition of the annual pre-season fixture to be held in Mudgee.
In their 36 previous Charity Shield clashes, the Dragons have recorded 16 wins, the Rabbitohs 15 with the two clubs drawing on five occasions.
A moment's silence will be held for former St George and South Sydney winger Brian James just prior to the game's commencement. James passed away in January in a tragic farming accident.
Charity Shield squad (alphabetical):
Euan Aitken, Eddie Blacker, Billy Brittain, Adam Clune, Jackson Ford, Tyson Frizell, Tyrell Fuimaono, Jacob Host, Ben Hunt, Tim Lafai, Blake Lawrie, Zac Lomax, Issac Luke, Trent Merrin, Corey Norman, Jordan Pereira, Mikaele Ravalawa, Jason Saab, Tristan Sailor, Tariq Sims, Paul Vaughan, Brayden Wiliame
Timings for 2020 Charity Shield –
Gates open: 3:30pm
Andrew Johns Cup (Under-16s): 3:35pm
Laurie Daley Cup (Under-18s): 4:55pm
Main game: 7pm
