Written by: Steven Williams

As reported yesterday at SOTV, the Dragons will be playing at Kogarah Jubilee Oval in 2003. The St George Illawarra club confirmed the move today by official media release.

Its understood that the club will be uniting the two communities of St George and the Illawarra and will play all Sydney home games at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.

Dragons chief executive officer Peter Doust made the announcement at Kogarah Oval in the lead-up to what will now be the club's last Sydney "home" game at Aussie Stadium - their must-win clash with Newcastle on Sunday.

The Dragons will play five 2003 NRL home games at Kogarah and the remainder at WIN Stadium, Wollongong. The pre-season Charity Shield against Souths will remain at Aussie Stadium (SFS).

"Aussie Stadium is an outstanding sporting facility … but it is not in our community," said Doust.

"We are not coming back to Kogarah next season to go away again and will be working with all stakeholders to ensure that doesn't happen."

Doust said the Dragons Board unanimously decided to return to Kogarah Oval following overwhelming support from the three local councils, state government local members, local community, St George Leagues Club and Dragons fans.

"The decision to move to Kogarah underlines our commitment to the community and completes the position of the club in our two key communities," he said.

"Our research backs this up with supporters in both our key communities in the St George and Illawarra districts expressing frustration that we were not playing games in the St George region. The move to Kogarah can only enhance the club's growth in both environments."

Doust said the united backing of the Kogarah, Hurstville and Rockdale local councils for the first time and the anticipated financial support of the state and local governments had had a major impact on the decision.

"The Kogarah Council and the St George Leagues Club have agreed to the initial stage of $105,000 for maintenance obligations under the lease," Doust said.

"The NSW Minister for Sport, Recreation and Public Works, Morris Iemma, and the three state local members, namely Cherie Burton, Kevin Greene and George Thompson, have encouraged the Council to make application for a Regional Grant to be finalised by November.

Doust said the grant will be guaranteed by the St George Leagues Club which will work in conjunction with representatives from the community and the Kogarah, Hurstville and Rockdale local councils on a community fundraising campaign to ensure the long-term future of Kogarah Oval as a valuable community asset.

A third stage of more complete improvement is also being investigated.

For information on home ground issues and the search for a St George home ground - click here

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