St George Illawarra are confident they will break their own membership record this season after passing the 19,000 members milestone.
The Dragons return to their spiritual home at Kogarah on Thursday night to take on traditional rivals South Sydney, looking to bounce back from their first up loss to North Queensland.
St George Illawarra play five matches at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium this season. As well as the blockbuster against the Rabbitohs, the Dragons will also host local rivals Canterbury, Parramatta, Gold Coast and reigning premiers the Sydney Roosters at Kogarah.
And the club's record of just over 21,000 members is under threat this season according to Dragons chief executive Brian Johnston.
"It's an exciting milestone heading into our first home game as we are on target to reach our membership record from last year of 21,245," he said.
"We have worked hard to develop benefits and packages to suit all fans and are very appreciative to those who have already signed up to be a red V member this season."
Dragons players Euan Aitken and Matt Dufty, a Penshurst RSL junior, thanked the club's fans for their support.
"On behalf of all the players, I would love to say a huge thank you to all the 2019 red V members for all of your support. We hope to see you at one of our games or at one of our exclusive red V member events," Aitken said.
"19,000 members is such a huge milestone and we're so lucky to have such passionate fans and we appreciate each and every one of you," Dufty said.
Already without Jack de Belin, the Dragons are expected to be without Test forward Tyson Frizell against the Rabbitohs after he underwent surgery in Townsville on Saturday night having suffered a ruptured testicle in the loss to the Cowboys.
