Dragons Roll Out Big Guns for Charity Shield Clash in Wollongong
The St George Illawarra Dragons have unveiled a formidable line-up for this Saturday night's highly anticipated Charity Shield fixture against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The match, set to take place at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, will serve as a crucial final tune-up before the Dragons embark on their historic Las Vegas road trip to open the 2026 NRL season.
Cook Focused on Future Amid Contract Negotiations
Among the key players named is co-captain Damien Cook, who is currently in discussions to extend his tenure with the Red V. The 34-year-old hooker has expressed his desire to continue playing beyond the 2026 campaign, demonstrating no signs of slowing down as he approaches his 14th season in the top flight.
Cook will lead the charge from the starting side, partnering with fellow co-captain Clint Gutherson in a backline that also features established stars like Valentine Holmes, Jaydn Su'A, and Moses Suli. This selection indicates coach Shane Flanagan's intention to field a near-full-strength squad, a significant shift from last week's Pre-Season Challenge victory over the Newcastle Knights which featured several youngsters and new recruits.
Flanagan Opts for Experience in Final Pre-Season Hitout
The Dragons' coaching staff have clearly prioritised match readiness for their Las Vegas opener against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on March 1. New recruit Daniel Atkinson is set to make his club debut at halfback, forming a promising partnership with Kyle Flanagan in the halves.
On the wings, Setu Tu will combine with Christian Tuipulotu, while several players who impressed in the previous trial have earned bench positions. These include Kade Reed, Hayden Buchanan, and Jacob Halangahu, who will provide impact from the interchange.
The team will be without Josh Kerr (All-Stars commitments), Jacob Liddle (hamstring), and Nathan Lawson (foot injury) for this important pre-season encounter.
Wollongong Showdown Precedes Historic American Adventure
This Charity Shield clash represents the final opportunity for the Dragons to fine-tune their combinations before departing for what has been described as the biggest road trip in rugby league history. The match kicks off at 8:10pm on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at WIN Stadium – a venue that holds special significance for the Illawarra-based club.
The strong team selection underscores the importance the Dragons are placing on building momentum ahead of their landmark Las Vegas campaign, while also providing Wollongong fans with a chance to see their stars in action before the season proper begins overseas.
