NSW Govt supports Dragons' GF "live sites"

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has today announced that both WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, and WIN Stadium, Wollongong, will be set-up as “live sites” when the Dragons take on the Roosters in this Sunday’s sold-out NRL Grand Final. <br><br> Premier Keneally was today joined by Kogarah MP, Cherie Burton, Wollongong MP, Noreen Hay and Oatley MP, Kevin Greene, Dragons Chairman Warren Lockwood, Dragons CEO Peter Doust as well as players Mark Gasnier and Jason Nightingale at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah to announce the NSW Government’s support of the Grand Final “live sites” in the Dragons’ region. <br><br> The NSW Government decided to work with the St George Illawarra Dragons to host the live sites following the quick sell-out of 2010 Grand Final tickets. <br><br> Local MPs and avid St George Illawarra Dragons supporters Cherie Burton and Noreen Hay demanded the live sites be set up for fans that won’t get to the match at ANZ Stadium. <br><br> “We wouldn’t take no for an answer - St George Illawarra fans should be rightly proud of their team’s achievements,” Ms Burton said. <br><br> “I encourage all fans, young and old to get out to the live sites decked in red and white to celebrate what I am sure will be a Dragons victory.” <br><br> Member for Wollongong, Noreen Hay said: “We’ve been working with the Dragons to ensure all fans get the chance to take part in the festivities. <br><br> “Fans have certainly shown their support by buying every available ticket in near-record time, which is why we’ve acted to make Jubilee and WIN Stadium available to those who missed out.” <br><br> WIN Jubilee Oval in Kogarah and WIN Stadium in Wollongong will both be open on Sunday afternoon, with giant screens showing all the Grand Final action. <br><br> Premier Kristina Keneally said this weekend’s game – an all NSW Grand Final - demonstrates the strength of rugby league in the State. <br><br> “NSW is the natural home of rugby league,” Ms Keneally said. <br><br> “Two of our State’s oldest and most successful clubs will go head to head on Sunday afternoon in what will be one of the toughest battles in NRL history. <br><br> “The NSW Government is working with the Dragons to make sure fans unable to get a ticket to the all-NSW showdown have a great place to watch the game live on the big screen.” <br><br> Minister for Sport and Recreation and Member for Oatley, Kevin Greene said the NSW Government began working with the Dragons as soon as they made the Grand Final and it was clear the game was going to be a sellout. <br><br> “The Dragons are serious business down here in St George and further South in the Illawarra,” Mr Greene said. <br><br> “Just about every person in our community will be spending their Sunday watching this huge game, and for the unlucky majority not able to get a ticket to Sydney Olympic Park. <br><br> “I’m glad we have helped organise a great alternative venue.” <br><br> Dragons CEO Peter Doust said players will return to Kogarah after the Grand Final on Sunday night win or lose. <br><br> “The Dragons Members and Supporters are recognised as the proudest and most supportive in the NRL,” said Doust. “For our NSW Government and particularly the Premier, Noreen, Cherie and Kevin to support these Grand Final day activities is special and greatly appreciated. <br><br> “WIN Jubilee Oval and WIN Stadium will be the ‘next best thing’ for those unable to get to the Grand Final on Sunday,” added Doust. <br><br> The venues will have a family friendly atmosphere with food and beverage outlets available. <br><br> Fans are encouraged to wear their Dragons gear and enjoy the occasion with fellow Dragons supporters. <br><br> All Illawarra Line trains will also stop at Carlton Station this weekend to ensure fans have an easy way to get to WIN Jubilee Oval. <br><br> All trains on the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Lines – with the exception of South Coast and Intercity services – will stop at Carlton from 12pm on Sunday to get Dragons fans to the live site at Kogarah Oval. <br><br> Grand Final tickets include travel to and from the game on the CityRail network, Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses, regular Sydney Buses and Sydney Ferries. <br><br> <b>For further information and to pre-register for catering and logistical purposes to attend the event at at WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah, go to <a href="http://www.dragons.com.au/default.aspx? s=gflivesite-kogarah">www.dragons.com.au/default.aspx? s=gflivesite-kogarah</a> <br><br> For further information and to pre-register for catering and logistical purposes to attend the event at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, go to <a href="http://www.dragons.com.au/default.aspx? s=gflivesite-wollongong">www.dragons.com.au/default.aspx? s=gflivesite-wollongong</a></b> <br><br> Please note that Dragons fans attending the Grand Final who wish to return to WIN Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Sunday night after the Grand Final cannot be guaranteed entry and will only be permitted subject to venue capacity constraints.