Return To Kogarah - Latest News

In another boost for Oki Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah’s Liberal Party candidates have expressed their support for the next stage of improvements to the Dragons‘ spiritual home. If elected by Kogarah ratepayers on March 27, the Liberal Party candidates will throw their full support behind the next stage of enhancements that will further transform the famous venue.

Adam Mazzaferro (East Ward) and Mark Coure (West Ward) recognise that Oki Jubilee Stadium is a community asset and are keen to advance the site in consultation with the local community.

Mazzaferro, an ex-Kogarah Marist student, has been a member of the Liberal Party for five years and is a St.George Bank Dragons season ticket-holder. He believes that sport plays a very important role in the St.George community and states that local government has a responsibility to provide “areas and amenities that allow residents to participate in various sporting and leisure activities.”

Importantly, Mazzaferro supports the installation of community friendly permanent lighting that is a necessity for Oki Jubilee Stadium going forward:

“I support the various initiatives that have been taken to consult with residents and the club regarding the installation of community friendly permanent lighting that eliminates such issues as light spill and glare...As a Councillor, I will support the community friendly development of the stadium, so it meets NRL standards, and is comfortable and friendly for all fans to visit so that it functions in harmony with the local community. I am committed to seeing that throughout the regular season Kogarah Jubilee hosts an equal amount of home games as Win Stadium, Wollongong.”

Mazzaferro believes that while the recent improvements to Oki Jubilee Stadium were a step in the right direction, the Dragons’ spiritual home deserves further enhancements in the near future:

“Along with a host of improvements that still need to be done I am of the opinion that the installation of a new scoreboard/screen and the introduction of community friendly permanent lighting should be considered in the near future. Further, I will endeavour that the facilities at Kogarah Jubilee are tailored in a manner that cater for the hosting of a range of sports, maximising the marketability of the ground to other sports ensuring the Council and community receives the full benefit of an historical asset.”

Mark Coure, a keen Dragons supporter and a member of the Liberal Party for the past ten years, also supports further improvements to Oki Jubilee Stadium. Like Mazzaferro, Coure will support community friendly permanent lighting that eliminates light spill and glare.

Apart from the Jubilee issue, both candidates are opposed to general overdevelopment throughout the Kogarah Municipality. An example is the State Government’s plan for high-rise towers of up to 22 storeys along the Illawarra Railway line from Allawah to Penshurst. Coure believes that our suburbs “are under threat from over-development.” He states that you only need to “sit in traffic each day on Hillcrest Avenue to know our roads can’t cope with any more development.”

While most Kogarah ratepayers will go to the polls on March 27, there is no need for Kogarah’s North Ward residents to attend the polling booths. The North Ward incumbents (Field, Katris and Varvaris) have been returned unopposed. North Ward includes Oki Jubilee Stadium and such streets as English, Park and Jubilee Avenue. The return of the North Ward Councillors suggests that ratepayers are very satisfied with the recent enhancements to Oki Jubilee Stadium.

St. George Rethinks Sponsorship - What A Great Idea St. George!

St. George Bank officially became the major sponsor of the St. George Illawarra Dragons today. The announcement was made at the bank's headquarters in Kogarah. The bank's atrium was jam-packed for the announcement, which was jointly made between the bank's Andrew Thorburn and St. George-Illawarra CEO Peter Doust.

Doust's statement that St. George-Illawarra will now be known as the 'St. George Bank Dragons', was received with thunderous applause from the attendees. The announcement emphasised that while both parties are leaders in their respective fields, both are still community-minded enough to look after their local people. The St. George Bank sponsorship once again highlights the importance of the St. George district to the St. George-Illawarra joint venture.

St. George Bank and the St. George Dragons have a common history and there is a true synergy between the two organisations. The St. George Co-Operative Building Society Ltd was formed in 1937 in Hurstville and is now Australia's fifth largest bank. It wasn't until the 1970s that the bank adopted 'Happy Dragon'. A big factor in the adoption of the Dragon as the St. George Bank icon, was the fact that it was the nickname of the St. George rugby league team and because of the location of the Bank’s headquarters in the St. George area.

The St. George Bank Dragons' Football Office has confirmed that the new jersey is not yet available, but should be for sale shortly. No announcement was made on the sleeve sponsorship, while Hard Yakka will continue as the short sponsor.

Earl Park Remembered In Kogarah Park

When the Legends’ Walk officially opens at Oki Jubilee Stadium on Saturday (6/3/04), R2K’s paver in honour of the late Lancelot Lewis ‘Daddy’ Earl will be unveiled with the host of other bricks and granite tiles. Several months ago, R2K purchased 4 pavers from the Jubilee Oval Community Appeal. While 3 of these will be engraved with R2K’s website details, R2K decided to set aside a paver to pay tribute to one of St.George’s earliest benefactors.

For a period of 15 years, Earl was to solve a problem for St.George that has plagued the club into the modern age. As an omen of things to come, St.George had difficulties securing an adequate home ground when they entered the Sydney first grade competition in 1921. Originally based at Hurstville Oval, the Dragons only played two matches at the ground in their maiden year, as it was unenclosed. It wasn’t until 1923 that Hurstville Council agreed to enclose the ground, but they soon did a backflip on this promise and the Dragons were unable to play a match in the St.George district in 1924. However, Hurstville Council was to eventually redeem themselves for this intransigence, when in 2002, they contributed $50,000 towards the Jubilee Oval upgrade.

Born in London in 1861, Lancelot Earl lived an interesting and varied life. After arriving in Australia, Earl worked as a fruit merchant and became a Trustee of Wentworth Park. Between 1906-1909 he was a Glebe alderman and was an asset to the community he represented.

Following the problems at Hurstville, Earl offered his property to St.George as a home ground and headquarters so they could once again be based in the district from 1925. Earl’s property, which was located opposite Arncliffe station on Wollongong Road and Bonar Street, became one of the finest rugby league grounds in the Sydney competition. In the ‘March Of The Dragons’, Ian Heads wrote,

“The NSWRL signed a ten year lease with Earl, a formidable character with sprouting whiskers and paid him 1500 pounds. He spent the same amount to make the ground and build the grandstand. The ground stood on what was once a flourishing Chinese market garden.”

The dressing rooms that Earl installed were the largest in Sydney, measuring 120 feet by 30 feet. The rooms contained lockers, showers and every feature that could be expected by a footballer between WWI and WWII. The ‘Rugby League News’ from May 16, 1925 lauded Earl’s efforts and praised the NSWRL for “displaying such great business acumen in securing it”.

The memory of Earl Park is assured because of the riot that took place there on August the 11th, 1928. St. George defeated Balmain 21-3 in a spiteful match. The referee, Brannaghan, lost control of the match in the 2nd half. Brannaghan sent off St. George forward Harry Flower but took no decisive action against the thuggery of the Balmain players. After much provocation, hundreds of furious St. George supporters invaded the field and ripped off fence palings to assault the Balmain players. One official remembers a man running around behind the grandstand with an axe, while a fight between a St.George and Balmain player continued in the ambulance when the players were placed in the same vehicle.

Unfortunately when Earl passed away in 1938, the ground was put on the open market after being offered to St.George and the NSWRL for 5,000 pounds. As neither party were in a position to purchase the property, it was eventually sold to Cook’s Caramels who constructed a factory on the site.

Despite losing Earl Park, St.George eventually found an even brighter future at Kogarah’s Jubilee Oval. While the Dragons abandoned Kogarah after the first year of the joint-venture with the Steelers, Kogarah is now back in vogue and the Legends’ Walk further entrenches the Dragons at their St.George district base.

R2K’s Lachlan McLean said that the R2K committee had trouble deciding on whether to honour Lancelot Earl or legendary St. George supremo Frank Facer with a paver:

“We figured that the St. George DRLFC Board would be more likely to honour Frank Facer through the project than Lancelot Earl who is largely forgotten today as time has certainly moved on,” he said. “If Frank Facer hasn’t been recognised through the Legends’ Walk, we would like to see the grandstand at Kogarah named after Facer, unless there is a condition in the Oki ground sponsorship which is an impediment to this. As the Club’s Secretary Manager, Facer was more responsible than any other individual for St. George’s 11 successive premierships between 1956-66.”

The Legends’ Walk opens this Saturday at 2:30 pm in Kogarah Park.

The Longest Walk

Organisers of the Legends’ Walk at Oki Jubilee Stadium have just over one week to complete the much-anticipated project that has been supported by both the St. George and Illawarra rugby league communities.

Hell & Highwater on Wednesday

Based on the state of the surrounding parkland on Wednesday, it looked unlikely that the Legends’ Walk would be ready for the March 6 official opening or even for the Dragons first game against the Raiders at Kogarah a week later.

Peakhurst resident Joan Watt expressed her disappointment yesterday at the prospect of another delay on the worthwhile venture that was originally timetabled for completion in May 2003.

“I purchased a granite tile for my brother Reginald Watt who passed away in early April last year,” she said.

“Reg was a very loyal Dragons supporter who had the honour of attending the Dragons’ 11 consecutive premiership grand-finals. I thought a paver was a fitting way to pay tribute to my late brother and support the rebuilding of Jubilee Oval.”

When the Legends’ Walk wasn’t completed for the Dragons’ jubilant homecoming against the Sharks, Frank Bates from JOCA (Jubilee Oval Community Appeal) contacted supporters to advise that the grand opening would be in November 2003.

However, following another delay, the opening was pushed back to the March deadline that JOCA is now struggling to meet. Despite this, Bates has promised that the construction will be completed on March 6 “come hell or high water”.

Despite having concerns over the delay, John Ormsby from R2K (Return To Kogarah) has asked supporters to keep the faith in the Legends’ Walk concept.

“It is a very important project from a historical and fundraising point of view,” he said.

“However if JOCA is to maintain its credibility the Legends’ Walk must be completed by the extended deadline. I believe R2K should have had a representative on the JOCA steering committee to keep the Legends’ Walk on the right path.”

“R2K’s successful campaign showed that we are very capable at marketing the positive aspects of Oki Jubilee Stadium.”

JOCA, whose steering committee includes Dragons’ CEO Peter Doust, will be left with a supporter-relations crisis in the St. George and Illawarra regions if the grand opening doesn’t take place on March 6.

* R2K assisted JOCA by distributing promotional material regarding the Legends’ Walk across the majority of the suburbs in the St. George district. R2K also handed out the promotional material at the 2003 Charity Shield, the 2003 Australia Day Carss Park function and at the Saints vs Raiders match at Oki Jubilee Stadium last year. In addition, the R2K committee donated funds to JOCA, bought 3 pavers and paid for 2 representatives to attend the JOCA Grand Final fundraising function.

St. George Retain Helping Hand Cup

The St. George Dragons All-Stars have retained the ‘Joanne Mackay Helping Hand Cup’ by defeating the USA 48-40 at Kogarah last night (18/02/04). As the score indicates, the match was a free-flowing affair with a number of entertaining tries.

St. George crossed for 9 tries with the most spectacular being Anthony Mundine’s four-pointer in the third quarter from a well-directed chip kick. Mundine came close to scoring on a number of other occasions but was closely guarded by the Tomahawks’ defence.

Jeff Hardy and Scott Gourley both scored 2 tries each, while Mark Coyne, Noel Goldthorpe, Ricky Walford and Brad Mackay also notched four-pointers for the Dragons.

The USA Tomahawks put in 100% effort and did well to fight back from a large deficit in the 2nd quarter. They have clearly improved over the last year when they were defeated 42-18 by the Dragons All-Stars. The match concludes a successful tour for the Tomahawks who also had fixtures against Wyong, Goulburn, Tonga and the Canberra Raiders. During the tour, the Tomahawks kindly assisted the St.George juniors, when David Niu arranged for his team to visit the Kogarah Cougars for a skills session at Blakehurst’s Todd Park.

Jeff Hardy, David Niu and Mark Coyne should be congratulated for organising the match for such a worthy cause. All proceeds will be donated to the Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation which “provides help to breast cancer patients in their day to day lives by providing financial and emotional help.”

While the attendance was slightly down on last year, David Niu stated that the match was a financial success for the Foundation. The sponsors included the St.George Leagues Club, St.George-Illawarra Dragons RLFC, National Lending Group, E Group Security, Elite Sportswear, Child Friendly Solutions, Wicked Candles, Neil’s Glass Service, Darren Richards, Huxbury & Associates and Crown Signs.

The match should become an annual fixture at Kogarah if the Tomahawks are invited to the Sevens each year.

R2K would like to thank the following supporters for helping to promote the St.George vs USA match on Saturday night prior to the Charity Shield:

John Ormsby, John Butler, Alena Hill, Erin Ormsby, Hugh Drummond, Eleanor Ormsby and Jeanette McLean.

R2K Interviews Mark Coyne, Jeff Hardy and David Niu

In the lead-up to Wednesday night's 'Joanne Mackay Helping Hand Cup' at Oki Jubilee Stadium, R2K caught up with Mark Coyne, Jeff Hardy and David Niu for an interview on the Dragons All-Stars clash with the USA.

R2K: David, how long are the Tomahawks in Australia and what teams are you scheduled to play during your visit?

David Niu: We're here for two weeks with four games scheduled - Wyong, Goulburn, Canberra Raiders / Tonga and the Dragons All-Stars.

R2K: Jeff, how much training are you doing in the lead-up to the match against the Tomahawks and do you still have a 'gimpy' leg, as you described it last year?

Jeff Hardy: Mate, I've got two gimpy legs now and a bad back! I can't seem to beat the ageing process any longer. I've been doing regular speed work sessions chasing four kids around, and weight training once a week taking the wheelie bins up the 30metre driveway on a Wednesday.

R2K: Mark, do you expect the Tomahawks to be a bit tougher than last year with the likes of Alf Duncan and Ian Mortimer in the squad?

Mark Coyne: I do, for two reasons. One, they have a lot more experience than they had last year and secondly, the Dragons are all a year older!

R2K: In a nutshell, why should all St.George-Illawarra supporters attend the Joanne Mackay Helping Hand Cup?

Jeff Hardy: The Helping Hand Cup has been put together by the three of us and Robert Stone at the club to help a charity that has been created to honour the former wife of a great Saint George player. We have 30 players in the line up for the Dragons, which shows that the boys are really keen to show Brad their support. The supporters are encouraged to come along and do the same thing. We're hoping to put on a great show for the fans and hope they enjoy seeing a lot of the old boys playing, and meeting some of the current Dragons that will be attending the game. At the same time, they will be helping families that are suffering the same anguish as Brad and Joanne had to during her illness. Breast cancer touches many people in the world, and I think a lot of the St George Illawarra supporters will rise to the occasion on the 18th.

R2K: Is Choc Mundine still a certain starter for the Dragons, and if so, what position is he likely to play?

Jeff Hardy: Choc is down at number 6 for the evening. He is currently holidaying in Hawaii, but has assured me he will be there, not only for this game, but also for anything else we would like to do for charity.

R2K: What other former St.George players will be pulling on the Red V again?

Mark Coyne: We have a pretty good turn out from the 90s teams...Barnhill, Goldthorpe, Gourley, Bradley, Bell, Brunker, Zisti, Donnelly, Walford, Hardy, Collins, Mackay, Mundine, Bartrim, Treacey, Ainscough, McGregor, Potter, Herron and also old timers Graeme Wynn and Harry Eden. Look out for Ricky Walford having a run in the front row!

R2K: How will the match assist the development of rugby league in the USA?

David Niu: It will give the USA boys a chance to be exposed to elite players in Australia. To not only play with them, but to talk, train and learn about Rugby League. This tour will give us great exposure in Australia to help with our vision of setting up a professional league in the States.

R2K: Where can supporters buy the pure St.George polo shirt that commemorates the 2nd 'Joanne Mackay Helping Hand Cup'?

Jeff Hardy: The polo shirts will be on sale at the ground on the day. If you'd like to get one before the match, please contact Elite Sportswear on 9501 3650, or email:

elitesportswear@optusnet.com.au

The profits will be donated to the Foundation. Shirts are available from today, with only 300 in total. The cost is $25 each.

R2K: What role have you played in organising this match and what other people have assisted you?

Mark Coyne: Not a big role, more so letting some of my former team mates know. Jeff & Anne Hardy and David Niu deserve all the credit. Robert Stone and Danny Robinson from the Club also deserve a big wrap for great support and providing a lot of their resources to the day.

R2K: Are you likely to take the field at the revamped Oki Jubilee Stadium, or are you on the coaching staff for this tour?

David Niu: Jeffro has slotted me in to Number 15 for the Dragons. I could be taking the field at any time, in any colour, from the trainer to the Dragon Suit ..... expect anything!

R2K: What do you think of the improvements that have taken place at Kogarah since the last USA vs Dragons All-Stars match?

Jeff Hardy: The ground was a bit under-done last time, but it looks a million dollars now. I'm looking forward to clearing the huge lines of people at the entrance by using the turnstiles!

R2K: What improvements would you like to see at Oki Jubilee Stadium in the future?

Mark Coyne: I am pretty happy just for the games to be back at Kogarah. Would be nice to see some permanent lights and more night games at the ground. Perhaps a bronze statue of The Skull to rival King Wally at Suncorp Stadium.

R2K: Is the 'Joanne Mackay Helping Hand Cup' likely to happen every year between Saints and the USA at Kogarah?

David Niu: We're two from two so far. And when the NRL finally invites us to the 7s, it should be a certainty every year. I guess it depends on how many of the old boys can hold out! We only planned this game a month or so ago, when Coyney, Jeffro, Stoney and I starting emailing each other about it, but the USA Tomahawks will always be there to help out a charity.

R2K: Where is the after match party and will their be a player's presentation that supporters can attend?

Jeff Hardy: The after match part will start at the ground straight after the match. We will be having a bit of time just meeting the supporters and having a laugh. This will give the kids a chance to get down on the field and say hello like the old days. Nathan Blacklock, Mark Gasnier, Mark Riddell, Lance Thompson, Nathan Brown and other current Dragons will be there as well. Following that, we will all be heading back to the Premiers Lounge at Saints Leagues Club to have a drink. The presentation will occur in the Premiers and we will be staying there for the night.

R2K: How many St.George-Illawarra matches do you get to attend and how do you think the Dragons will fare this year?

Mark Coyne: I probably don't get to as many as I would like but it is more because I have a young family who aren't really at the stage where they would be interested in watching a full game. I'll likely get to a few more this year as they are now a bit older. I think that barring injury the Dragons can make the Top Four. Brownie now has a year under his belt and would of learnt a lot from last year.

Mundine to star for Dragons

Anthony Mundine has confirmed that he will take the field for the Dragons All-Stars on Wednesday, the 18th of February at Oki Jubilee Stadium (6:00 pm kick-off).

The Dragons All-Stars are playing the USA Tomahawks for the ‘Joanne Mackay Helping Hand Cup’.

Mundine starred in the inaugural match against the USA Tomahawks in 2003 and provided the highlight of the night with his solo try in the final minute. Mundine bamboozled the Tomahawks fullback with a great display of evasion and pace before completing his trademark somersault.

The American National Rugby League have confirmed the admission prices to the match:

Adults: $10
Kids: $5
Kids under 5: Free

JUBILEE FACES FUTURE WITHOUT TAYLOR

Kogarah Mayor Jim Taylor has informed R2K that he will be retiring from Council in March. The likeable Mayor, who played a key role in the return of the Dragons to Kogarah, has decided not to contest the March 27 local Government election.

Following the path blazed by the R2K campaign, Councillor Taylor was responsible for recommending a maintenance program that guaranteed Oki Jubilee Stadium would be ready for the return of the Dragons in 2003. On 22
July 2002, Taylor put forward his proposal that ensured the Dragons would “return home in 2003 and remain at Kogarah for the next 50 years.”

Taylor, who first watched the Dragons at Hurstville Oval, echoed the thoughts of all St. George supporters when he stated:

"It's time to bring the Dragons back to Kogarah, it's time that the Kogarah residents and the St. George Community had their football team back playing at their local ground.”

Councillor Taylor was instrumental in launching the Jubilee Oval Community Appeal and actively lobbied the State Government for an $800,000 grant for the Jubilee upgrade. The $800,000 was secured in December 2002 from the Premier’s Department (Major Venues Cabinet Sub-Committee), following a petition that Taylor launched in late July 2002. R2K assisted the Mayor’s initiative by collecting in excess of 5,000 signatures over a short period of time.

Taylor, who likened the support generated from the Jubilee campaign to that of a tsunami, implored his Council to aid the Dragons in their Kogarah comeback:

“Kogarah Council has to continue to demonstrate leadership within the St.George region. Clearly, the St. George-Illawarra Dragons are the most
significant and recognisable cultural and sporting identity in the area, and it is imperative that Council play its role in assisting their return.”

He reacted strongly to certain commentators on AM radio stations who were keen to perpetuate the myth that Kogarah Council was the main stumbling block to the return of the Dragons. In an interview with R2K, Taylor remarked:

“Unfortunately Council has been painted as the villain in the piece. Uninformed comments by the media, both electronic and paper, leaves me
wondering is there some hidden agenda in there to support what has become rugby league for the corporate dollar rather than entertainment for the grass roots supporters. I know and you know that the dyed in the wool Dragon supporter wants to stand on the hill and watch the game.”

While Taylor is satisfied with the stage one improvements to Oki Jubilee Stadium, he also informed R2K of his long-term vision of Kogarah:

“I want to see a quality, boutique ground capable of holding 18 to 20 thousand fans in comfort. I would like to see a stand on the eastern side
with community facilities under it. Perhaps we can fulfil this vision by first getting back to Jubilee and then beginning a process that will convince decision makers with money of its merit.”

Although Jim Taylor’s achievements as Kogarah Mayor are far ranging and in no way limited to football, his impact on the return to Jubilee will be his most memorable legacy. The current Kogarah Council administration, headed by Gary Sawyer, is widely regarded as the best in Kogarah’s history and far superior to that of Rockdale and Hurstville. The current Council have
supported developments that are transforming central Kogarah to an urban centre that the entire Municipality can be proud of. The award winning Kogarah Town Square redevelopment is a prime example of the achievements of Kogarah Council under Jim Taylor’s leadership. The Town Centre redevelopment has also assisted the Dragons since their return to Kogarah, as it includes a 224-space car park in Derby Street, which is free for supporters on weekends.

R2K hopes that Councillor Taylor’s replacement is a like-minded individual who has the best interests of the Kogarah community at heart. In keeping with Councillor Taylor’s vision for Jubilee Oval, there are still goals that need to be achieved such as community friendly permanent lighting that eliminates such issues as light spill and glare.

R2K wishes Jim Taylor a happy retirement and will publish a farewell website interview prior to the 27 March election.

To visit Jim Taylor’s page on the Kogarah Council website.

DRAGONS GREATS AND USA TOMAHAWKS TO TACKLE BREAST CANCER

USA TOMAHAWKS RETURN FOR SECOND ANNUAL 'JOANNE MACKAY HELPING HAND CUP'

Philadelphia, Tuesday, January 27, 2004 - The USA Tomahawks, the National Team of the American National Rugby League will take on the St.George Dragons Allstars with match proceeds to benefit:

"The Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation raises money to support the patient care service Jo's Helping Hand which provides assistance in paying urgent bills, arranging medical treatment, childcare, domestic help and spiritual guidance.

The Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation was set up in memory of Joanne Mackay who passed away from Breast Cancer and is the wife of former St George, NSW and Australian Rugby League player, Brad Mackay. The Foundation provides help to breast cancer patients in their day to day lives by providing financial and emotional help."

Game: Dragons Allstars vs USA Tomahawks
Location: OKI Jubilee Stadium
Date: Wednesday,18th February, 2004
Time: Kick Off at 6:00pm, Gates Open 4:00pm
Entry Cost: Adults $10, Kids $5, kids under 5 free

The Dragons Allstar Squad will again feature many former internationals and past Dragons greats such as Mark Coyne, Graham Wynn, Scott Gourley, Ted Goodwin, Brad Mackay, Ricky Walford, Jeff Hardy, Wayne Collins, Noel Goldthorpe, Mick Potter, David Barnhill, Matt Elliott, Harry Eden, Pat Jarvis and many others.

Bill Harrigan will make a return to the field appearing as guest referee.

More news and information on this exciting and entertaining event will be available in the coming weeks.

ST. GEORGE & TOMAHAWKS SET TO CLASH AGAIN

Following the success of the 2003 'Joanne Mackay Helping Hand Cup', the Dragons All-Stars and the USA Tomahawks are likely to clash again in February at Oki Jubilee Stadium.

David Niu, the former Saint and current President of the American National Rugby League, has confirmed that the Tomahawks are planning to tour and have tentatively scheduled the match against the Dragons All-Stars for Wednesday, the 18th of February (6.00pm kick-off).

The Tomahawks are awaiting final confirmation from the Dragons All-Stars before a full announcement is made.

The 2003 match was one of the highlights of the season, with the Dragons victorious by 42 points to 18. Anthony Mundine’s last minute solo try was the most spectacular part of the evening. A solid mid-week crowd of around 4,000 provided plenty of atmosphere and ensured that the match was a financial success. The proceeds from the match were donated to the Joanne Mackay Foundation to help fight the battle against breast cancer.

Full details of the match will be posted on the R2K website once all the arrangements have been finalised.

KOGARAH TO HOST OPENING MATCH

Kogarah's Jubilee Oval looks set to host the Dragons'season opener against Canberra on March 14.

The Illawarra Mercury reports that WIN Stadium won’t be in a fit condition to host NRL matches until round 4 due to a motorcross event on March 6. While the split of home games between Kogarah and WIN is yet to be announced, Kogarah is tipped to host the opening fixture as WIN Stadium’s turf will need time to regenerate following the motocross in early March.

With only 4 games being held at Kogarah next season, R2K calls for the St. George-Illawarra management to allocate quality games to the venue. Matches against the Sharks, the Bulldogs and Brisbane would be good options for Kogarah Jubilee.

According to Peter Doust (St. George-Illawarra CEO), Kogarah is a more economically viable option for the Dragons than WIN Stadium. Doust has previously stated,

"OKI Jubilee Stadium is a lot cheaper, more cost effective for the club...We don't pay the rental fees we have at WIN Stadium and we get the proceeds from food and beverage sales and a bigger return from corporate hospitality."

Kogarah recorded higher average crowds than WIN Stadium in 2003 which continues the trend of higher average crowds in Sydney since the joint venture was formed in 1999.

Kogarah 2004 - Canberra, Tigers, Sharks and Manly

The St. George-Illawarra Dragons have announced the Kogarah home games for 2004. St. George-Illawarra will play Canberra in round 1, the Tigers in round 15, the Sharks in round 20 and Manly in round 25.

In contrast to 2003, the majority of the Kogarah matches are against Sydney based teams. While the quality of the matches allocated to Kogarah may be deemed as satisfactory, the Dragons are away from the St. George district for a 14-week period following the opening clash against the Raiders.

On this basis and due to the fact that Jubilee Oval deserves the blockbuster matches, the round 10 fixture against the Bulldogs should have been granted to Kogarah rather than WIN Stadium.

R2K’s Nick Stojanovski expressed the thoughts of many Dragons fans regarding Kogarah missing the Bulldogs game:

"It’s disappointing as we always used to look forward to Saints clashing with the Bulldogs at Kogarah. The Gong has hosted the last 2 matches against Canterbury and I think Kogarah deserves the 2004 match based on its higher attendances."

Clearly, Kogarah deserves a better deal going forward. Kogarah should be granted a minimum of 7 home games per year for the seasons 2006 to 2009. The extra utilisation of Kogarah would assist in future attempts to obtain Government and community funding.