Dragons vs Rabbitohs Prediction – Charity Shield 2026

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.

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.

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.

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?

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of the 2026 Charity Shield, check out our Dragons vs Rabbitohs tips and predictions below.

 

Dragons vs Rabbitohs Prediction and Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

Fresh off announcing the signing of Payne Haas, vibes will be high at the Rabbitohs ahead of their first hit out of 2026.

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.

As has been made clear, this isn’t simply another pre-season game, as well as being part of the NRL’s Pre-Season Challenge this game also doubles as the latest instalment of the annual Charity Shield.

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.

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.

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 H2H market.

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.

Betting tip: St George Illawarra Dragons.

 

First Tryscorer Prediction

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.

Gutherson, Tuipulotu, Suli, Holmes and even new recruit Daniel Atkinson at a pinch are all capable of finding the line in quick time.

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 Super League, and is set to make his Bunnies bow here.

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.

Betting tip: Matt Dufty.

 

Dragons vs Rabbitohs Teams

 

St George Illawarra Dragons Team List

1. Clint Gutherson ©

2. Christian Tuipulotu

3. Moses Suli

4. Valentine Holmes

5. Setu Tu

6. Kyle Flanagan

7. Daniel Atkinson

8. Emre Guler

9. Damien Cook ©

10. Toby Couchman

11. Luciano Leilua

12. Jaydn Su’a

13. Hame Sele

14. Hamish Stewart

15. Blake Lawrie

16. Ryan Couchman

17. Loko Pasifiki Tonga

18. Tyrell Sloan

19. Mathew Feagai

20. David Fale

21. Lyhkan King-togia

22. Kade Reed

23. Jacob Halangahu

24. Hayden Buchanan

25. Nick Tsougranis

26. Ha’ele Finau

 

South Sydney Rabbitohs Team List

1. Matt Dufty

2. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape

3. Talanoa Penitani

4. Latrell Siegwalt

5. Jordi Mazzone

6. Ashton Ward

7. Jonah Glover

8. Salesi Ataata

9. Peter Mamouzelos

10. Lachlan Hubner

11. Thomas Fletcher

12. Max McCarthy

13. Bronson Garlick ©

14. Jamie Humphreys

15. Junior Tatola

16. Sean Keppie

17. Liam Le Blanc

18. Matthew Humphries

19. John Radel

20. Tim Johannssen

21. Elijah Keung

22. Jay Kirk

23. Nazareth Taua

24. William Afualo

25. Oliver Lawry

26. Tayson Fakaosi

 

Charity Shield Match Details

 

Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:10pm AEST.

Location: WIN Stadium, Wollongong.