Excitement is building ahead of the opening round of the NRL’s Pre-Season Challenge, with St George Illawarra gearing up to host the Newcastle Knights at Kogarah tomorrow night.
The Dragons enter the hit out hoping to set a strong tone for the year.
For head coach Shane Flanagan, the clash marks a welcome shift from weeks of internal match-ups to finally facing outside opposition.
“There comes a time where you need to play against other opposition,” Flanagan said.
“Bashing your teammates week after week, day after day has come to an end now.
“The boys are looking forward to it – especially the young boys getting an opportunity tomorrow. It’s exciting.”
Flanagan is confident in the squad’s preparation but acknowledges the importance of emerging from the pre-season unscathed as the club eyes a smooth lead in to the Las Vegas season opener.
“We’re definitely fit enough and ready to play, but time will tell,” he said.
“Injuries play an important part of it – we’d like to get through the trials with no injuries. It’d be a blessing in disguise to go to Vegas.”
With anticipation high and a fresh season beckoning, tomorrow’s match offers Dragons fans an early glimpse of what Flanagan’s revamped side may bring to the 2026 campaign.
