The annual Charity Shield match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the South Sydney Rabbitohs is set to take place, marking a significant pre-season fixture for both clubs. This traditional game, known for its intensity, serves as a crucial warm-up before the main NRL season commences and also supports charitable causes. This year's contest is scheduled for Wollongong, a venue that has hosted the match previously. Both teams have announced their squads, with coaches keen to assess player form and combinations.
Squad Selections and Player Movements
Both the Dragons and the Rabbitohs have unveiled their lineups for the upcoming Charity Shield. The St George Illawarra Dragons have named a near full-strength squad, featuring co-captains Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook, alongside notable players like Valentine Holmes, Jaydn Su’A, and Moses Suli. New recruit Daniel Atkinson is set to make his debut for the Dragons in this fixture. Unavailable players for the Dragons include Josh Kerr, Jacob Liddle, and Nathan Lawson.
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The South Sydney Rabbitohs have also released their squad. Key players announced include Matt Dufty, Latrell Siegwalt, and captain Bronson Garlick. The squad also features new recruit Jamie Humphreys, who is expected to feature in his first game for the club. The Rabbitohs' NSW Cup trial match will precede the main game, featuring a separate squad.
Historical Context and Match Significance
The Charity Shield has a long-standing history, with this year marking the 43rd encounter between the two clubs. Historically, the Rabbitohs hold a slight edge in total wins, with 19 victories to the Dragons' 18, and 5 draws over the 42 matches played. The game's name reflects its charitable purpose, with proceeds supporting organizations such as Souths Cares, Wollongong Hospital, and St George Hospital.
The fixture is often seen as more than just a trial match, with coaches and players using it to make a statement of intent for the upcoming season. The intensity of the Charity Shield is noted to be a step up from other pre-season games, providing a realistic gauge of team readiness.
Venue and Fixture Details
The 43rd Charity Shield match will be held at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Kick-off for the main NRL game is scheduled for 8:10 PM. A NSW Cup trial match between the Rabbitohs and Dragons will take place earlier in the evening, commencing at 5:45 PM. The venue in Wollongong is a familiar one for the Charity Shield, adding to its traditional feel.
Player Availability and Pre-Season Focus
Coaches are using the Charity Shield to fine-tune team combinations and assess player form ahead of the season proper. For the Dragons, head coach Shane Flanagan has emphasized a stronger team selection, indicating the importance placed on this pre-season hit-out. The match also serves as a final preparation before the Dragons' season opener, which is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas.
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For the Rabbitohs, the game is an opportunity to integrate new recruits and build chemistry within the squad. The team's approach appears focused on ensuring players are ready for round one, a sentiment echoed by the Dragons' strategic selection of a strong lineup.
Key Information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | 43rd Charity Shield Match |
| Teams | St George Illawarra Dragons vs. South Sydney Rabbitohs |
| Date | Saturday, February 14 (as per Article 1) |
| Venue | WIN Stadium, Wollongong |
| NRL Kick-off | 8:10 PM |
| NSW Cup Kick-off | 5:45 PM |
| Historical Wins | Rabbitohs 19, Dragons 18, Drawn 5 (out of 42) |
| Charitable Causes | Souths Cares, Wollongong Hospital, St George Hospital |
Sources
South Sydney Rabbitohs (Official):
Article 1: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/rabbitohs-nrl-squad-for-43rd-charity-shield-against-dragons-in-wollongong-this-saturday
Article 10: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/rabbitohs-updated-squad-for-charity-shield-vs-dragons-2025
Article 4: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/charity-shield-match-preview-rabbitohs-vs-dragons-rd2-2025
Article 8: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/charity-shield-match-centre
Article 12: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/content/2020-charity-shield-date-confirmed
St George Illawarra Dragons (Official):
Article 2: https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2026/02/10/nrl-team-list-charity-shield-vs.-rabbitohs/
Article 9: https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2024/02/13/dragons-announce-charity-shield-team-list/
NRL (Official):
Article 6: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/02/15/charitable-deeds-red-v-and-rabbitohs-continue-a-grand-tradition/
The Guardian:
Article 11: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/feb/22/st-george-illawarra-dragons-vs-south-sydney-rabbitohs-nrl-charity-shield-sione-finau-mudgee-report
Southern Highland News:
Article 7: https://www.southernhighlandnews.com.au/story/9172125/cook-eyes-deal-as-dragons-name-big-guns-for-charity-shield-clash/
League Unlimited:
Article 3: https://leagueunlimited.com/news/dragons-and-rabbitohs-teams-for-charity-shield
Midwestern Regional Council:
Article 13: https://www.midwestern.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events-directory/2025-Charity-Shield-Rabbitohs-v-Dragons
Wikipedia:
Article 5: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CharityShield(NRL))
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