As someone who grew up in the western area, Brian Johnston knows the importance of bush footy.
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Those views haven’t changed despite his rise to chairman of the St George Illawarra Dragons.
It’s what made him so proud to speak on Friday when confirming his club would be playing the Charity Shield at Mudgee’s Glen Willow complex on March 2 next year, before returning two months later for an NRL match.
“The Dragons are proud of our continued commitment to support the development of rugby league in regional NSW, in particular the Mid-Western region,” Johnston said.
“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.”
Next year will be the 36th Charity Shield meeting between the Dragons and St George Illawarra Dragons.
Games will also be played in Bathurst and Wagga next season, leading NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg to praise the game’s commitment to the bush.
"Our commitment to playing matches in regional locations will continue in the 2019 schedule," NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.
"We saw some amazing scenes in some of our regional matches in 2018 and I see no reason why we won't see many more highlights in 2019."
