To play in your first Charity Shield match would boast its own thrills for any player, but to have that experience in a town you grew up in is something just that bit more 'sentimental'.
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St George Illawarra Dragons' Adam Clune, while born in Orange, spent the first 10 months of his life in Mudgee.
Clune's parents were active members of the community with his mother occupying the role of PE teacher at Mudgee High School while his father was a teacher at Mudgee Primary School and also a first grade Mudgee Dragons player.
Although the halfback's time here may sound relatively short, for Clune, it means a whole lot more to be making a return.
"I've never had the opportunity to play at Mudgee so to get to a first grade level and play with the Dragons holds a bit of sentimental value," Clune said.
"It means a bit more knowing this place, it [Mudgee] means a lot to my parents.
"Any time you get to put on a Dragons jersey, especially in first grade level is an honour. I'm excited, it's a great opportunity.
"I've never had the opportunity to play at Mudgee so to get to a first grade level and play with the Dragons holds a bit of sentimental value."
Although the Charity Shield is new territory for Clune, the former Junee Diesels junior has some idea of what goods the crowd at Glen Willow will provide.
"I'm sure it'll be a great atmosphere. It's a good opportunity because a lot of the crowd may not get to see a first grade team play live," he said.
"I love when games go out to country communities because I pretty much grew up in the country, it's unreal.
"I'm expecting a really tough game and now that's it's really close to the first match of the season everyone is just excited."
Much like their opposition, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, there hasn't been much emphasis placed on securing the crown, more so on preparing for the season that lies ahead.
"There hasn't been any chat about the records, the focus is to put on a good performance and improve, and hopefully we'll put in a good enough performance and the result will go our way," Clune said.
"I think defence would be key, they've got some good middles so hopefully we can defend well and control the ruck."
Clune is one of a number of younger Dragons to be given a chance at Mudgee but coach Paul McGregor has also opted to bring many of his top players.
Corey Norman, Tyson Frizell, Paul Vaughan, and Tariq Sims are all part of the squad which will be in action against Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs.
Kick-off is 7pm on Saturday night.
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