03/09/02

Written by: Steven Williams

Popular First Division winger, Leo Clarke (pictured) will debut for Dragons in first grade this Sunday when St George Illawarra take on the Newcastle Knights at Aussie Stadium (SFS).

A try scorer in last year's First Division Grand Final 'Leaping Leo' was told to look elsewhere by Saints but chose to try his luck and train on with the Dragons squad. His persistence and good form has been rewarded with a run in the top grade after regular winger, Matt Cooper was ruled out.

Meanwhile, Newcastle captain Andrew Johns will contest a grade two careless high tackle charge at the National Rugby League judiciary tomorrow night.

Johns entered a not guilty plea and could face a week on the sidelines if found guilty of the charge.

The Knights playmaker was charged following a high tackle on Penrith prop Joel Clinton in the 58th minute of last Sunday's game at Penrith Stadium.

Newcastle teammate Ben Kennedy has pleaded guilty to a grade one striking charge, but will play against St George Illawarra because he doesnt enough previous infringement points to be suspended.

The Dragons are in eighth position but they must win in order to make the play-offs. With the Raiders and the Storm equal on 23 points, this is a do-or-die match for Saints who are certain to be leap-frogged if they fail to come away with any points.

A win to the Knights will see them snare the 2002 minor premiership and finish on 40 points, their highest ever total.

Teams:

St George
1 - Ben Hornby
2 - Lee Hookey
3 - Mark Gasnier
4 - Shaun Timmins
5 - Leo Clarke (Debut)
6 - Trent Barrett
7 - Willie Peters
8 - Luke Bailey
9 - Mark Riddell
10 - Jason Ryles
11 - Justin Smith
12 - Lance Thompson
13 - Jason Hooper

14 - Craig Stapleton
15 - Nathan Tutt
16 - Shane Millard
17 - Jason Kent

Knights
1 - Robbie O'Davis
2 - John Morris
3 - Matthew Gidley
4 - imana Tahu
5 - Anthony Quinn
6 - Sean Rudder
7 - Andrew Johns (c)
8 - Josh Perry
9 - Danny Buderus
10 - Matt Parsons
11 - Steve Simpson
12 - Ben Kennedy
13 - Bill Peden

14 - Daniel Abraham
15 - Clint Newton
16 - Kurt Gidley
17 - Adam Woolnough
18 - Jarrod O'Doherty
19 - Julian Bailey
(two to be omitted)

St George Illawarra Dragons v Newcastle Knights
Venue: Aussie Stadium (SFS)
Date: Sunday 8th September 2002
Kickoff: 3:00PM
Referee: Paul Simpkins

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