LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The St George Illawarra Dragons have officially anointed their inaugural life members, a prestigious honor reserved for only the most illustrious figures in the club's history.
Three distinguished individuals from the epochal 2010 premiership-winning squad have been bestowed with this esteemed title, along with two unsung heroes from the backroom staff.
Leading the charge of these revered warriors is none other than the valiant captain of the 2010 campaign, Ben Hornby.
A stalwart leader on the battlefield, Hornby's gallant leadership and unwavering commitment to the Red V have etched his name in the annals of Rugby League folklore.
Following in his footsteps is the indomitable Ben Creagh, a warrior of unmatched ferocity whose tenacity and grit inspired fear in the hearts of his adversaries.
And let us not forget the swift-footed Jason Nightingale, whose dazzling displays of athleticism and skill brought joy to the hearts of Dragons supporters far and wide.
Together, these three titans not only laid claim to the elusive premiership trophy in 2010 but also etched their names in the record books as the top three appearance makers in the club's storied history.
Hornby leads the pack with an impressive 273 appearances, closely followed by Nightingale with 266 and Creagh with 247.
In addition to their domestic accolades, each of these prodigious talents also tasted success on the international stage.
Nightingale, a proud Kiwi warrior, donned the silver fern 33 times for New Zealand, while Hornby represented the mighty Blues of New South Wales and the green and gold of Australia.
Creagh, a true NSW stalwart, proudly sported the sky-blue jersey 11 times in the cauldron of State of Origin battle and donned the revered Kangaroos jersey on two occasions.
Rounding out this esteemed group of life members are the unsung heroes of the backroom staff, Bruce Gordon and Doug McClelland.
Their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication behind the scenes have not gone unnoticed, and their contributions to the Dragons' success are truly immeasurable.
As the Dragons continue to forge ahead in their quest for glory on the Rugby League battlefield, these inaugural life members stand as shining beacons of inspiration, embodying the values of courage, resilience, and unwavering loyalty that define the spirit of the Red V.
With their names forever etched in the annals of Dragons history, they will forever be remembered as legends of the game.