Survey canvasses removal of Illawarra name from St George..
The St George Illawarra Dragons have sparked heated debate after it was revealed a survey sent to fans canvassed the potential removal of “Illawarra” from the club’s official name.
The survey, issued by the club’s strategic planning team, asked members and supporters how they felt about the Dragons’ identity, including the continued use of the Illawarra name. It included questions about whether fans still associated the club with both the St George and Illawarra regions, and whether the dual-name format remained relevant.
The club was formed in 1998 as a joint venture between the St George Dragons and the Illawarra Steelers. While the Steelers no longer field a top-tier side, their legacy and junior pathways remain crucial to the Dragons’ current talent pipeline.
News of the survey has ignited backlash in the Illawarra region, with many supporters and former players voicing concern that the region’s rich rugby league heritage is being sidelined. Local figures have called any move to drop the name “disrespectful” and “short-sighted.”
The Dragons have stressed that no decision has been made, and that the survey was part of a broader consultation process.
