<p>So much more than just another pre-season trial, the Charity Shield contested annually between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons is steeped in history.</p> <p>First played all the way back in 1982, this fixture has taken place 42 times with the two sides barely able to be separated across that time.</p> <p>Of the 42 Charity Shields that have transpired, the Rabbitohs have won 19 and the Dragons 18. Five have ended in draws, meaning a solitary Red and Green win is the only thing that separates these two clubs in this game.</p> <p>Can the Saints even the ledger and clinch the shield for the second year running? Or will the Rabbitohs stop them from retaining it and take it back to Redfern?</p> <p>For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the 2026 Charity Shield, check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/pre-season-challenge/st-george-illawarra-dragons-v-south-sydney-rabbitohs-10143492">Dragons vs Rabbitohs</a> tips and predictions below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Dragons vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Fresh off <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/news/payne-haas-signs-for-south-sydney">announcing the signing of Payne Haas,</a> vibes will be high at the Rabbitohs ahead of their first hit out of 2026.</p> <p>Obviously, we won’t be seeing the game’s best prop in Red and Green until next year, let alone here, but there’s still plenty to look forward to here.</p> <p>As has been made clear, this isn’t simply another pre-season game, as well as being part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/nrl/predictions/pre-season-challenge-week-2-2026">NRL’s Pre-Season Challenge</a> this game also doubles as the latest instalment of the annual Charity Shield.</p> <p>Normally both sides go all out here, but a quick look at the Rabbitohs team list and you’ll see they aren’t about to rush their stars into battle.</p> <p>On the other side of the field, it seems the Dragons are desperate to retain the shield after their 46-26 triumph 12 months ago, because they’re rolling out the big guns here.</p> <p>At almost full strength with names like Clint Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Luchiano Leilua and former Bunny Damien Cook in the starting 13, it’s no surprise to see them as such overwhelming favourites in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/pre-season-challenge/st-george-illawarra-dragons-v-south-sydney-rabbitohs-10143492">H2H market</a>.</p> <p>We’re sure the Rabbitohs kids will give a good account of themselves, but we doubt they’ll be able to match it with the first-string Saints for the full 80.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/pre-season-challenge/st-george-illawarra-dragons-v-south-sydney-rabbitohs-10143492">St George Illawarra Dragons.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Tryscorer Prediction</h3> <p>There are a number of intriguing options in play for the first try scorer market here. You can take your pick from the full-strength Dragons and struggle to go wrong.</p> <p>Gutherson, Tuipulotu, Suli, Holmes and even new recruit Daniel Atkinson at a pinch are all capable of finding the line in quick time.</p> <p>However, we’re going to go with the headline option instead though. Former Dragon’s fullback Matt Dufty has returned from his English exile in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/super-league">Super League,</a> and is set to make his Bunnies bow here.</p> <p>What a story it would be if he crossed first in this one? Well, if he hasn’t lost any of that trademark speed during his time overseas, he’s got every chance of scurrying over before anyone else here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/pre-season-challenge/st-george-illawarra-dragons-v-south-sydney-rabbitohs-10143492">Matt Dufty.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Dragons vs Rabbitohs Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>St George Illawarra Dragons Team List</h3> <p>1. Clint Gutherson ©</p> <p>2.&nbsp;Christian Tuipulotu</p> <p>3.&nbsp;Moses Suli</p> <p>4. Valentine Holmes</p> <p>5. Setu Tu</p> <p>6.&nbsp;Kyle Flanagan</p> <p>7.&nbsp;Daniel Atkinson</p> <p>8. Emre Guler</p> <p>9. Damien Cook ©</p> <p>10. Toby Couchman</p> <p>11. Luciano Leilua</p> <p>12. Jaydn Su’a</p> <p>13. Hame Sele</p> <p>14. Hamish Stewart</p> <p>15. Blake Lawrie</p> <p>16. Ryan Couchman</p> <p>17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga</p> <p>18. Tyrell Sloan</p> <p>19. Mathew Feagai</p> <p>20. David Fale</p> <p>21. Lyhkan King-togia</p> <p>22. Kade Reed</p> <p>23. Jacob Halangahu</p> <p>24. Hayden Buchanan</p> <p>25. Nick Tsougranis</p> <p>26. Ha’ele Finau</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List</h3> <p>1. Matt Dufty</p> <p>2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape</p> <p>3. Talanoa Penitani</p> <p>4. Latrell Siegwalt</p> <p>5. Jordi Mazzone</p> <p>6. Ashton Ward</p> <p>7. Jonah Glover</p> <p>8. Salesi Ataata</p> <p>9. Peter Mamouzelos</p> <p>10. Lachlan Hubner</p> <p>11. Thomas Fletcher</p> <p>12. Max McCarthy</p> <p>13. Bronson Garlick ©</p> <p>14. Jamie Humphreys</p> <p>15. Junior Tatola</p> <p>16. Sean Keppie</p> <p>17. Liam Le Blanc</p> <p>18. Matthew Humphries</p> <p>19. John Radel</p> <p>20. Tim Johannssen</p> <p>21. Elijah Keung</p> <p>22. Jay Kirk</p> <p>23. Nazareth Taua</p> <p>24. William Afualo</p> <p>25. Oliver Lawry</p> <p>26. Tayson Fakaosi</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Charity Shield Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, February 14, 2026.</p> <p><strong>Kick-off:</strong> 7:10pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> WIN Stadium, Wollongong.</p>