St. George Illawarra Dragons Undergoing Front Office Shakeup

National Rugby League side St. George Illawarra Dragons will "usher in a new dawn with the club to undergo the biggest shake-up in its two decade history this week," according to Michael Carayannis of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. The protracted negotiations between the Dragons and WIN are over, with the media company agreeing to take a 50% stake in the club. St. George Illawarra will also have a new CEO and chair in one of the "most dramatic revamps of any club in rugby league history." Former St. George CEO Brian Johnston will "return to the position" to replace Peter Doust at the end of the season. Andrew Gordon will also be part of the "sweeping changes" with the son of WIN Owner Bruce Gordon "stepping up" to become the club's chair. But the "most significant facelift" is WIN assuming 50% ownership in the joint-venture. WIN's first task was paying off the A$6M ($4.4M) debt the Dragons owed the NRL. WIN will nominate three board members while St. George will provide three of its own (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 8/19).