DRAGONS players Gerard Beale and Tyson Frizell were at Carss Park on Friday to watch youngsters play footy and to sign autographs at the Botany Bay Primary Schools Sports Association weekly competition.
Brighton-Le-Sands Public School teacher Julie Bernhardt is the Botany Bay PSSA league co-ordinator and also looks after the sports program as a whole.
The league-lover organises the matches and competition at Carss Park each Friday.
"The competitions for primary school-age boys and girls run for 15 weeks," she said.
Five of the schools — Brighton-Le-Sands, Arncliffe, Carlton, Carlton South and Sans Souci Public — played on Friday.
Bernhardt said it was good to see the Dragons players meet the kids and watch them play footy.
She said the support of referees controlling the matches was appreciated.
Bernhardt said encouraging the kids of all abilities to play rugby league was important for their development.
"It's about fun and participation, and teaching the kids about winning and losing," she said. "It also is about the kids being part of a team."
Beale said he enjoyed watching the kids work on their skills and have fun.
The Dragons and Wests Tigers kick off at ANZ Stadium, on Sunday at 3pm.
DRAGONS
Adam Quinlan, Brett Morris, Josh Dugan, Gerard Beale, Jason Nightingale, Gareth Widdop, Benji Marshall, Ben Creagh (c), Mitch Rein, Mike Cooper, Leeson Ah Mau, Joel Thompson, Jack de Belin. Interchange: Bronson Harrison, Shane Pumipi, Will Matthews, Jack Stockwell, Nathan Green, Charly Runicman (two to be omitted).
What are the chances of the Dragons making the top eight?
MODERN MARVELS
The Dragons have officially launched their ISC Marvel Superheroes Iron Man jersey to be worn in round 21 on August 2 against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters will play in Captain America design jerseys.
FRIZELL UPDATE
Injured prop Tyson Frizell hopes to be back in three weeks. The talented forward is recovering from an ankle injury. ‘‘I should be back in round 22,’’ Frizell said.
HOLDEN CUP
Youngster Leigh Higgins made his debut on the wing for the Dragons under-20s team against Manly on Monday at Kogarah Jubilee Oval. The Yarrawarrah Tigers and Engadine Dragons junior, from the Cronulla junior league, has plenty of talent and promise. He has been playing for Thirroul Butchers this season in the Illawarra competition.
TRIVIA
Last week’s question: Who scored the opening try in the 2010, 32-8 grand final win over the Roosters. A: Mark Gasnier.
This week’s question: Who captained the Dragons in the 1977 grand final replay against Parramatta? Answer next week.
