Charity Shield 2025

Souths Suffer Charity Shield Loss, Dodd's No. 7 Jersey in Doubt: What it Means for the 2025 NRL Season

The annual Charity Shield clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St. George Illawarra Dragons is more than just a pre-season hit-out. For fans, it's a taste of what's to come in the NRL season. For players, it's a chance to stake their claim for a starting spot. And for coaches, it's a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their squads before the real competition begins. The 2025 edition, held on Saturday, February 22nd at Glen Willow Stadium in Mudgee, delivered plenty of talking points, with the Dragons emerging victorious and Rabbitohs' recruit Lewis Dodd facing an uphill battle to secure the coveted No. 7 jersey.

Recent Updates: Dragons Triumph, Humphreys Impresses

The St. George Illawarra Dragons defeated the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the 2025 Charity Shield. While the final score reflects a pre-season game, the implications for both teams are significant. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Rabbitohs not only lost the match, but Englishman Lewis Dodd may have lost ground in the race for the halfback role. Jamie Humphreys' performance has seemingly given him the inside track to partner Cody Walker in the halves for Round 1.

This development throws a spanner in the works for South Sydney fans eager to see their new recruit Dodd in action. Humphreys, on the other hand, has seized his opportunity and put his name firmly in the selection frame.

The Charity Shield: More Than Just a Pre-Season Game

The Charity Shield holds a special place in the Australian sporting landscape. Played annually between the Rabbitohs and the Dragons, it serves as a vital fundraiser for charitable causes. Beyond the good cause, the game has become a tradition, a fierce rivalry played out before the season officially kicks off.

The 2025 match was held at Glen Willow Stadium in Mudgee, bringing top-level rugby league to the central west of New South Wales. The Mid-Western Regional Council actively promoted the event, highlighting its importance to the local community and the broader region. Prior to the main event, the Laurie Daley Cup match between the Western Rams and Monaro Colts provided a showcase for emerging talent.

Tickets for the Charity Shield were in high demand, with the Mid-Western Regional Council recommending pre-purchase through 123Tix. The anticipation surrounding the game underscores its significance in the NRL calendar.

Contextual Background: A History of Rivalry and Charity

The Charity Shield boasts a rich history, dating back to 1982. It has become synonymous with pre-season rugby league in Australia, offering fans their first glimpse of their teams ahead of the new campaign. Traditionally, the match pits the reigning premiers against a selected opponent, but in recent years, the Rabbitohs and Dragons have become regular fixtures.

The choice of Mudgee as the venue for the 2025 Charity Shield reflects a growing trend of taking NRL games to regional areas. This initiative aims to promote the sport in communities outside the major cities and provides local fans with the opportunity to witness top-quality rugby league firsthand.

The rivalry between the Rabbitohs and Dragons adds another layer of intrigue to the Charity Shield. Both clubs boast passionate fan bases and a history of memorable clashes. The pre-season encounter provides a platform for players to test themselves against their rivals and build momentum heading into the regular season.

Immediate Effects: Selection Headaches for Souths, Opportunity for Humphreys

The result of the 2025 Charity Shield has immediate implications for both teams, particularly the Rabbitohs. The strong performance of Jamie Humphreys has presented coach Jason Demetriou with a selection dilemma at halfback.

The Sydney Morning Herald report suggests that Humphreys has edged ahead of Dodd in the pecking order. This is a significant development, as Dodd was expected to be a key player for the Rabbitohs in 2025.

The Charity Shield provided valuable insights into the Rabbitohs' squad. Jye Gray, Isaiah Tass, Fletcher Myers, Jack Wighton, Tyrone Munro, Jayden Sullivan, Lewis Dodd, and Sean Keppie all featured in the game, giving fans a glimpse of the team's potential lineup for the upcoming season.

Future Outlook: Dodd's Fight for a Starting Spot, Rabbitohs' Season Ambitions

The future remains uncertain for Lewis Dodd. While the Charity Shield may have dented his chances of starting in Round 1, he still has time to impress the coaching staff and stake his claim for the No. 7 jersey. His ability to adapt to the NRL and demonstrate his skills in training will be crucial in the coming weeks.

For the Rabbitohs, the Charity Shield loss serves as a valuable lesson. It highlights the need for improvement and provides a platform for the team to address any weaknesses before the season begins. The Rabbitohs have high ambitions for 2025, and the pre-season period is vital for building cohesion and fine-tuning their game plan.

The Dragons, on the other hand, will take confidence from their Charity Shield victory. The win provides a positive platform for the team to build on as they prepare for the NRL season.

The 2025 Charity Shield was more than just a game; it was a glimpse into the future, a battle for positions, and a celebration of rugby league in the heart of New South Wales. While the Rabbitohs will be disappointed with the result, the pre-season hit-out has provided valuable insights and motivation as they strive for success in the upcoming NRL season. The race for the No. 7 jersey at South Sydney will be one to watch closely in the weeks leading up to Round 1. The fans will be eager to see how Lewis Dodd responds to this challenge and whether he can force his way into the starting lineup.