The stage is set for the 2025 NRL Charity Shield as the St George Illawarra Dragons prepare to take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Glen Willow Stadium, Mudgee. This annual pre-season clash, set for Saturday, February 22, at 3:00 PM AEDT, marks the 42nd contest for the coveted trophy between these two fierce rivals.
Head Coach Shane Flanagan has finalized his squad, naming the same starting 13 players who triumphed over the Sydney Roosters last week. Despite the confidence gained from their 26-8 victory, challenges loom as key players deal with injuries, and other strategic adjustments must be made.
Among the notable absentees for the Dragons are Tom Eisenhuth (head knock), Viliami Fifita (foot), Lyhkan King-Togia (knee), Blake Lawrie (hamstring), Ben Murdoch-Masila (foot), and Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring). Jacob Liddle, previously recovering from hand issues, will don the No.14 jersey, adding depth to the lineup, which include stars like Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook.
For their part, the Rabbitohs have also encountered their share of injury woes, most prominently the absence of star players Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray, both ruled out of the match. This has led to adjustments throughout the Rabbitohs' squad, with Jye Gray stepping up to fill the gap left by Mitchell. Despite these setbacks, excitement still surrounds this historic fixture.
The Charity Shield isn't just another game; it's steeped in tradition and holds significant importance for both clubs. Last year's meeting saw the Rabbitohs emerge victorious with a commanding 42-24 win, and they'll aim to replicate this performance as they head to Mudgee, where they historically have performed well.
Lachlan Ilias, now playing for the Dragons, reflects on his return to Mudgee, where he’ll face his former team for the first time since being released. Ilias made his NRL debut for the Rabbitohs and has maintained positive relationships with many former teammates. "I wanted to take Cody Walker’s head off," he joked, adding, "But I’ll have to settle for just competing against my mates." Despite the joking tone, there's no denying the emotional stakes for Ilias, as he aims to prove himself against the club where he began his career.
"It’ll be fun, but we’re just trying to focus on ourselves and keep building on what we’ve done in the pre-season," Ilias said, highlighting the balance between competition and camaraderie.
With fans eager to see how the absence of top players affects team performance, both sides are focused on building momentum within their squads. South Sydney's new coach, Wayne Bennett, is under pressure to maintain their pre-season edge, especially after last season's disappointing performance. This match acts as the perfect platform to fine-tune strategies before the regular season kicks off.
Over time, the Charity Shield has become synonymous with more than just pre-season preparation; it serves as a reflection of both teams’ aspirations for the upcoming season. The Dragons, who have struggled to achieve consistent success over the past decade, aim to turn the tide this year, building on improvements seen during their trials. On the other hand, the Rabbitohs seek redemption and stability after finishing at the bottom of the league last season under intense scrutiny.
Both teams understand the stakes associated with this historic match. Notably, several players the Dragons have fielded previously donned Rabbitohs jerseys. This move adds even more motivation for players like Damien Cook and Jaydn Su'A, who now face their former team and seek to showcase their current capabilities.
Uniform changes to both team rosters highlight the shifting nature of NRL squads. The Rabbitohs have welcomed several back from representative duties to bolster their ranks. This infusion of talent aims to replicate their recent Charity Shield forms, which have heavily favored them.
Fans will be eagerly watching as the Dragons and Rabbitohs prepare to clash on the field, each hoping to establish dominance leading up to the NRL season opener against the Dolphins next month.
With both NRL clubs showing promising developments early this pre-season, the Dragons are intent on avenging their recent Charity Shield performances, with only three victories since 2008. The competition, strong player sentiments, and strategic adjustments set the scene for what could be a memorable encounter.
This matchup promises to be more than just another exhibition game; it's likely to feature thrilling plays, emotional stakes, and the drive to secure bragging rights. With all eyes fixed on Glen Willow Stadium, fans from both sides hope their respective teams can deliver the goods and bring home the Charity Shield.