The Leader photograph shows the $7 million southern wing extension to the grandstand almost completed, despite the cost of steel going up by about $900 a tonne (to $2100) since work began five months ago.

As a result, the stage three redevelopment should be completed at the end of October, leading the Dragons to confirm yesterday the six Sydney home games returning to Kogarah for 2009.

The new curved grandstand extension backs on to Jubilee Avenue, provides lift access to all three levels of the extension, with much bigger corporate facilities, a 200-seat dinning room with reserved seating, a 400- seat function room with reserved seating, a renovated Legends Club and additional reserved grandstand seating for 1172 patrons.

All up, the extension lifts the stand capacity from 2269 to more than 4000 with undercover seating.

St George Football Club chairman Peter Black is delighted with the upgrades.

``It certainly is an impressive structure and I can't wait to see it and the whole ground full next year,'' said Black.

``It is remarkable what has been achieved at Kogarah Jubilee Oval since the steering committee was put in place and their master planning provides for more upgrades.''

A northern extension, however, relies on the approval of State Government funding and with the recent NSW Government upheaval, it may not receive the tick in time for work to begin this year.

Project co-ordinator Frank Bates said leagues club and Kogarah Council representatives praised the work by SX Projects in overcoming early setbacks after the process of removing contaminated soil 410 tonnes of soil removed in total and delays through inclement weather.

``We faced some difficulties early on, but we had allowed for that possibility within our time frame and everything is on schedule,'' said Bates.

During the coming weeks, roof sheeting will be affixed, mechanical ventilation, seating, electrical and hydraulics installed, and all fit-out elements of the project will be completed to lock-up stage by the end of October.

The Dragons said Red V membership and partnership packages would be available in early October.