Charity Shield: Potential deal in talks while local ticket sales soar

The Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons meet in the traditional NRL season curtain-raiser at the Glen Willow Regional Sports Complex for the fourth successive year next February.

That match is the last in the current deal between the two clubs and Mid-West Regional Council but South Sydney Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly stated on Friday he would be happy to continue making the trip.

"We've had a really good record here, I think that's a bit of a credit to the facility as well, it's something that our coaching staff and players love coming to because the facility is so good," Solly said.

"There's been some talks, clearly it's an event we do with the Dragons so they've got to be as keen as we are but we would love to stay here for longer than the current deal."

Mid-Western Regional Council's general manager, Brad Cam, added he too wanted the game to stay in the coming years.

"We have been working hard with them to discuss this, I'm hopeful there's going to be some announcement closer to the game, we have our fingers crossed," he said.

"It takes a lot to get the people to agree to come here and once they come we want to continue that long term association."

The Rabbitohs have won each of the past three Charity Shield matches in Mudgee.

The praise for Glen Willow and the Mid-West comes during a time when Souths is strengthening its bond with the region.

As well as the Charity Shield, the Rabbitohs will also play an NRL premiership match at Dubbo's Apex Oval in 2021 and 2022.

The 2021 Charity Shield will be held on February 27 at Mudgee, with tickets available at 123tix.