[2][3] On 2 October 2016, Illawarra played in the NRL State Championship against Queensland Cup winners the Burleigh Bears.

[4] Illawarra finished the 2017 Intrust Super Premiership NSW season in 8th place and qualified for the finals.

It will be the first time since 2007 that a full St George Illawarra Dragons side will feature in the reserve grade competition.

The approach brings the club in line with the NRL's ‘whole of game’ strategy that will also see top-grade squads increased from 25 players to 30.

There's a clear acknowledgment for coaches, training staff and players that when they're in our environment they are a part of the St George Illawarra Dragons".