St George Illawarra and South Sydney will return to Mudgee for another two years following confirmation the Charity Shield will continue to be staged at the Glen Willow Regional Sporting Complex.
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The Dragons and Rabbitohs have played the last two editions of the time honoured pre-season clash in Mudgee but 2019 is the last year on the initial two-year agreement to bring the Charity Shield to the bush.
Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC) mayor Des Kennedy, was joined by representatives from both clubs at the announcement and everyone was delighted by the news.
The new deal will mean Glen Willow will play host to four straight Charity Shield matches. Dates for the 37th and 38th installments of the shield will be announced later this year.
South Sydney has won both Charity Shield games in Mudgee so far, with both games drawing a crowd in excess of 9000 people.
"Both clubs have worked hard to build a connection with the people of Mudgee and more broadly the Central West of NSW," Rabbitohs Chief Executive Blake Solly said.
"The events we've been able to deliver over the past two years at Glen Willow Stadium have been first class.
"The town has really embraced both teams and the Mid-Western Regional Council and Mayor Des Kennedy have been fantastic to work alongside to deliver these events, and we're all looking forward to getting back out to Mudgee in the 2020 pre-season for the 37th Charity Shield."
St George Illawarra chief executive Brian Johnston echoed that.
"It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase NRL in the Central West and engage with the local community," he said.
This Sunday's NRL game between the Dragons and the Newcastle Knights marks the end of the first two-year deal struck between St George Illawarra and MWRC.
That deal included two NRL competition games as well. The new deal will only feature the Charity Shield games.
The Charity Shield news and the buzz around town leading into weekend's NRL game and Gooree Cup race meeting has made for a massive few days in the town.
The Dragons will be eager to down the Knights on Sunday after missing out on the win against Souths earlier in the year.
"It's a great town, it's good the community gets behind the team. The players like the atmosphere out there, the pitch is perfect, the council and the mayor is right behind it," Dragons coach Paul McGregor said, before focusing on the game.
"It's about sticking to the game plan fro the full 80 minutes."
