The St George District Rugby League Football Club, in conjunction with the St George Illawarra Dragons, will on Sunday officially unveil four new inductees into the 'Legends Walk' at Kogarah – the first official event of the Centenary celebrations.
The St George District Rugby League Football Club was officially formed at the Kogarah School of Arts on 8 November 1920 and played their first premiership match on St George's Day, 23 April 1921 against Glebe at the Sydney Sports Ground.
"We are very proud of our history and heritage and are excited to get our centenary celebrations underway with the unveiling of four new legends on Sunday," St George District Rugby League Club Chairman and St George Illawarra Dragons director Craig Young said.
"There are currently 18 legends in the walk at Jubilee Oval, the last inductees were Billy Wilson and Robert Stone in 2007 and we thought it appropriate to unveil more legends in the centenary year, in Heritage Round at St George Illawarra's home game at Kogarah on Sunday.
"100 years is a significant milestone, one to be celebrated by all fans of the 'Red V' and we have a range of activities and merchandise to mark the occasion, Sunday is just the start."
St George Illawarra Dragons coach Anthony Griffin said the history of the founding clubs is something of which he and all players are acutely aware.
"Our founding club St George has a proud and successful history that is to be admired and respected," Griffin said.
"I was certainly aware of the history before I joined the club but have certainly taken the time to learn and understand more about it since joining, and I am excited to be the coach of the St George Illawarra while the District celebrates its milestone year.
"The club and people involved certainly do a great job ensuring that all new staff and players are well aware of the history of our founding clubs and how special it is to be a part of St George Illawarra. We certainly respect those who have come before us."
Key centenary celebrations
Sunday, May 9, 2021
St George District centenary 'Legends Walk' unveil
Venue: In the grounds of Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
This unique memorial recognises personal contributions to the success of rugby league and the Dragons since 1921 and was officially opened on March 6, 2004 by immortal Norm Provan and currently has 18 inductees.
Friday, June 25, 2021
Spirit of Red V museum opening
Venue: St.George Leagues Club
To mark the 100-year milestone, St George District Rugby League Football Club has constructed a museum to showcase and reflect the rich history and evolution of the Dragons.
The 'Spirit of the Red V' museum has been created under the curatorial direction of former SCG Museum curator Anthony O’Carroll and will initially showcase over 150 pieces of unique memorabilia from a fully catalogued collection of nearly 1000 pieces, many of which have never been on display before.
July 2021 – date TBC
St George District centenary book launch
Venue: The Spirit of the Red V museum, St George Leagues Club
The St George District centenary book written by Geoff Armstrong will celebrate the Dragons' first 100 years, recalling the club's most famous performances, the premierships, intriguing insights and never before talked about deeds of some of the finest footballers, coaches and administrators to have graced the greatest game of all.
Thursday, August 19 2021
St George District's Team of the Century dinner
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
The highlight of the centenary celebration, a black-tie occasion to announce St George District's Team of the Century.
September 2021 – date TBC
St George District centenary players reunion
Players who have worn the famous Red V will come together in this milestone year to share their individual journeys and commemorate this significant occasion.
St George District centenary merchandise range
The St George District Rugby League Football Club, in partnership with Classic Sportswear, have developed an exclusive and commemorative merchandise range in celebration of the centenary year.
The range features men's and women's apparel including dress jackets, polos and hoodies, men's long and short sleeve jerseys and commemorative football, keyring, scarf and water bottle.
The St George District centenary merchandise range is available at all St George Illawarra merchandise outlets on match day, the Dragons team store and online at steorgedragons.com.au/shop
For further information about the history of the Dragons, visit the newly created purpose-built St George District RLFC website: www.stgeorgedragons.com.au.
