The St. George Illawarra Dragons secured their position as the formidable contenders for the upcoming NRL season by defeating the South Sydney Rabbitohs 46-26 during the annual Charity Shield match held at Glen Willow Oval, Mudgee, on February 22, 2025. This win marks the Dragons’ highest score ever recorded in the 42 years of Charity Shield history, with the total of 72 points scored by both teams also setting a new record for the event.
From the outset, the Dragons showcased dominant early gameplay, storming to an impressive 34-0 lead within just 30 minutes of play. Forward Sione Finau emerged as the star of the match, clocking up four tries, proving to be the Rabbitohs’ nightmare on the field.
Clint Gutherson, who played as fullback, was instrumental alongside the likes of new recruits Damien Cook, Lachlan Ilias, and Val Holmes, who collectively executed several spectacular plays, setting the tone for the game. The first try of the match came relatively early, with Finau finding the end zone just six minutes after kickoff. This was quickly followed by additional tries, especially with Finau grabbing his second by the 18-minute mark as the Dragons refused to let up on the pressure.
Afterward, Ilias made it 18-0 for the Dragons, scoring against the club from which he had departed. "It was good, it was fun. There was a bit of chat out there, but I'm just happy to be back," Ilias reflected on his performance, particularly relishing the victory against his former team. His sentiments echoed the spirited atmosphere within the Dragons’ camp as they continue to forge their new identity leading up to the regular season.
While South Sydney faced what seemed to be unsurmountable odds, their fortunes began to shift slightly after halftime. The Rabbitohs were embattled, missing injured stars including Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Murray, and Cody Walker, leading to questions about their preparedness for the NRL season. Even with reduced players, the Rabbitohs rallied, scoring three tries within 11 minutes which momentarily reduced the Dragons’ lead to just eight points. Jamie Humphreys, stepping up to replace the struggling Lewis Dodd, added to the scoreboard, demonstrating potential but also highlighting the thin depth and challenges the Souths will need to address before the season kicks off.
Despite this flicker of hope, the Dragons regrouped under pressure. Coach Shane Flanagan’s men displayed resilience, pushing past the Rabbitohs’ attempts at redemption with Ryan Couchman scoring late to seal the 46-26 victory. Post-match, Gutherson expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We got what we needed out of it; especially in the last couple of weeks, we've been growing slowly, which we wanted to do, and now we can rest and get ready to go for round one." His remarks underline the team's chemistry and confidence built through recent matches.
The Charity Shield historically serves not just as bragging rights between these two storied clubs, but also as valuable preparation for the upcoming regular season. The high-scoring affair captivated fans, demonstrating the potential and excitement surrounding the Dragons' roster, featuring several new signings working seamlessly together. Looking forward to round one, both teams have plenty to ponder: the Dragons can boast their potent offensive attack and improve their defensive sturdiness, whereas the Rabbitohs will need to regroup and find reliable strategies to navigate their injury-laden lineup.
Going forward, as the new NRL season looms, this Charity Shield victory for the Dragons sets the stage for what their fans hope will be a thrilling campaign filled with promise and renewed ambition to reach the finals. For now, the Dragons look to build on their success, drawing from both the score and the collaborative energies they unveiled on the field. The next two weeks will be telling as teams finalize their strategies and align their rosters, aiming to hit the ground running come March 8.