The St George Illawarra Dragons, in conjunction with Mid-Western Regional Council, the NRL and Destination NSW have today announced the Dragons two fixtures at Glenn Willow Regional Sports Stadium, Mudgee for 2019.

The Dragons will play the 36th annual Charity Shield against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday, March 2 and their Round 10 NRL Premiership game on Sunday, May 19. The opponent for Round 10 is yet to be determined and will be announced once the 2019 NRL Draw is released later this month.

These matches are part of a two-year deal struck between the Dragons and Mid-Western Regional Council ahead of the 2018 season.

Dragons Chairman Brian Johnston, who grew up nearby in Dunedoo, said the Dragons' continued partnership with Mudgee emphasises the importance of the long-term prosperity of Rugby League in country areas.

“The Dragons are proud of our continued commitment to support the development of Rugby League in regional NSW, in particular the Mid-Western region,” said Johnston.

“We enjoy a very positive relationship with Des Kennedy and the Mid-Western Regional Council and we have fantastic support throughout this region.

“I come from Dunedoo myself, so I know first-hand the passion that exists for Rugby League in this region and we are looking forward to returning to Mudgee in 2019 to play the traditional Charity Shield against the Rabbitohs in the pre-season and then again in May for an NRL Premiership match.

“We have a growing Membership base in Mudgee and the surrounding area and we have a package in 2019 that includes tickets to both games,” added Johnston.

Mayor of the Mid-Western Region, Des Kennedy said the community was eager to welcome back the Dragons and NRL following hugely successful games earlier this year.

“We’re excited to continue our successful partnership with the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2019,” Cr Kennedy said.

“The 2018 Charity Shield in February and Round 11 Dragons vs Raiders game in May broke previously held attendance records at the Glen Willow Stadium in Mudgee.

“We look forward to co-ordinating the two 2019 fixtures with the club to bring professional rugby league to people in regional areas.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said that Regional NSW has both the sporting facilities and the tourism and hospitality facilities required to host major sporting events.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring every corner of NSW gets its fair share of the record tourist dollars and investment coming into our State and major sporting events are an excellent way to drive more visitors to the regions,” Mr Marshall said.

“Regional NSW has the facilities required to host major sporting events and I am delighted the NSW Government has partnered with the NRL to showcase the best of the NRL in regional NSW.”

Member for Dubbo Troy Grant said the match would attract more out of town visitors with Destination NSW’s promotional support.

“Mudgee has already proven it has a strong and passionate NRL fan base, with close to 9,000 fans turning out for this year’s Dragons match against the Raiders,” Mr Grant said.

“With the additional promotional support, next year’s match will encourage more supporters to plan a trip to Mudgee, giving thousands of visitors the opportunity to see just how incredible our corner of NSW is.”

Ticketing details for the Charity Shield and NRL fixture are still to be finalised and will be communicated as soon as possible.

All Red V Members will be provided with an exclusive pre-purchase window and receive discounts on match tickets.

A specific ‘Mudgee Add On’ package is available within the Red V Membership program, providing a ticket to both the Charity Shield and Mudgee Premiership game in 2019. Click here for more information.

Tour and travel packages are being finalised and will be available for Corporate Partners and Red V Members to enjoy all that the Mudgee region has to offer. Click here to register your interest.