The Dragons are set to return to Glen Willow Stadium in Mudgee for the final week of the NRL’s Pre-season Challenge where they’ll face off against the Wests Tigers this Saturday night. Secure your tickets now!
Over the years, the Dragons have built a strong bond with the town, having played in eight games at Glen Willow Oval since 2018, with the upcoming match being the ninth. Most of these games, six to be precise, have been Charity Shield fixtures against the Rabbitohs, while the remaining two were against the Raiders and Knights in regular Telstra Premiership matches.
Mudgee locals are renowned for their deep passion for rugby league, consistently filling the stadium whenever the NRL comes to town. This weekend’s game will mark the Dragons’ first return to Mudgee since their Charity Shield match against the Rabbitohs last year.
Here are the key timings for the event:
– Gates Open: 5.00 pm
– NSW Cup kick-off vs. Magpies: 5.30 pm
– NRL kick-off vs. Wests Tigers: 8.05 pm
After a 28-6 defeat in the Charity Shield against the Rabbitohs, the Dragons are gearing up to face the Wests Tigers, who secured a two-point win over the Warriors in their opening Pre-season Challenge match in Christchurch.
Coach Shane Flanagan has opted for a similar lineup to the previous week, maintaining consistency in the run-on side while making a couple of changes to the extended interchange with the inclusion of Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Dan Russell.
Notably, Dylan Egan, Savelio Tamale, Alec Tuitavake, and Jonah Glover have been omitted from the reserves list for this match.
The last encounter between the two teams saw the Dragons emerge victorious with an 18-14 win at WIN Stadium in Round 21 last year, with tries from Zac Lomax, Mikaele Ravalawa, and Tyrell Sloan.
Additionally, the Dragons’ Knock-On Effect NSW Cup side, fresh from an intraclub trial, will also be in action, taking on the Western Suburbs Magpies in a trial match before the NRL clash.
